José Lugo Arroyo

November 28, 2021

José Lugo Arroyo, who lived in Christiansburg, Virginia, since August 2010, but was a native of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, is now in God’s arms and reunited in glory with his wife, Delia, as of Sunday, November 28, 2021. He would have been 97 in January 2022. The oldest of 8 siblings, he joins two younger brothers (Carmelo & Santos). José leaves behind in sadness, for he loved sharing with all, three daughters: Sylvia & husband Wilfredo Vélez, Sonia & husband Leslie E. Badillo, and Carmen Delia. Also six grandchildren with their respective partners that he kept tabs on, and delighted in hearing about their accomplishments: Daphne (Omar), Javier (Finale), Walter (Romit), Brian (Joy), Alex (Lindsey), and Michelle. He was blessed to have shared with eight great grandchildren: Alejandro, Gustavo, Isra, Adi, Ella, Evangeline, Elijah & Emilio. Also, many extended family, including three sisters (Cleofe, Pedra, & Luz Maria) and 2 brothers (Gilberto & José Antonio). And of course, a huge number of friends, since he loved life and people everywhere he went. The family will receive friends at Horne Funeral Home on Saturday, December 4th, from 2 to 4 p.m. to be with him on this earth one last time and reminisce on memories of the long and blessed life he was gifted by the Lord. We will follow with a service of thanksgiving & praise at the chapel. José Lugo was born in 1925 in the small town of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, in very humble surroundings. The eldest of 8 children to José Lugo & Dolores Arroyo. He grew up fishing, working the land, and helping in the harvest of sugar cane and small crops. Was drafted into the Armed Forces in 1943, and served four years. He was stationed in the Panamá Canal. Upon coming home, he finished his education to become a teacher, for he has always loved to learn and saw in others potential. Met the love of his life at the University of Puerto Rico the first day of classes and married Delia E. Lorenzo in 1951. Together they served the community as teachers and began to raise a family. They continued moving forward in their careers, Dad taking more classes to become a statistician. He accomplished much and moved through the ranks as Director of the Admissions Office of the University of Puerto Rico. He took interest in technologies and loved any new gadget. He was always in awe of human kind and what it can accomplish. Along with Delia he dedicated time to help in the church, travel, participate in family activities and community. After retirement, he was able to go back to the land and the enjoyment of nature. During this stage of his life he was able to expand his love of the arts by exploring with wood sculpting, creating scenes representing life in the early 1900’s as he remembered it. He had done some oil painting earlier in his life. He also took this time to express himself in the written word, in poetry and short articles. He even published a historical fiction novel at the age of 93. He took delight in seeing his three girls grow, develop, and create families of their own. He encouraged and saw great possibilities in all his grandchildren. He was an honest, responsible, calm, good natured, happy man who always was an encourager and had good words for all. With tenderness and faithfulness took care of his wife in her time of need till her passing. José lived a long, blessed, fruitful, and full life.