Alfredo Arroy

Alfredo Arroyo passed peacefully on December 25th, surrounded by his family during his hospital stay at Ronald Reagan UCLA Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack on November 7th in his home. He underwent open heart surgery on November 10th at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Due to complications, he was airlifted to UCLA Hospital and spent several weeks in the ICU. The week of December 18th, he underwent two surgeries, and unfortunately, his body was not able to recover. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Adriana; his children Ivan, Jessica, and Eric; his daughter-in-law Ashton; and grandchildren Quinn and Nico. His mother Esperanza Arroyo, siblings Lupe Arroyo, Fernando Arroyo, Anjela Arroyo, Emma Carillo, Carmen Gutierrez. He was blessed to be born into a large family. He then married into another larger family and was the proud uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was also honored to be the godfather to so many. Alfredo was born on March 5th, 1961, to mother Esperanza Botello de Arroyo and father Cecilio Arroyo in Ermita de Guadalupe Jerez, Zacatecas—the oldest of 6 siblings. The Arroyo family immigrated to Santa Barbara CA, in 1973 when Alfredo was 12 years old. He attended McKinley Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. Alfredo had a passion for music and was the bass player in two different spanish bands called "Quinto Parrafo" in 1976 and "Los Cirios" in 1977. Both bands toured in California. He started his legendary career at Cafe Del Sol as a young man. At only 13 years old, he began as a dishwasher and worked his way up to becoming General Manager. All because of his dedicated work ethic, perseverance, and charisma. Cafe Del Sol was a second home to him and his family for 39 years, as both of his sons grew up working alongside their father. Alfredo and his oldest son Ivan Arroyo opened Las Aves Cafe together in 2009. Alfredo mentored and supported Ivan as his son was the working owner, and Alfredo remained behind the scenes, still managing Cafe Del Sol until it closed in 2014. After, Alfredo started bartending and managing at Joe's Cafe by day and General Manager at The Crocodile Restaurant and Bar by night. Many of his loyal patrons and friends followed him to both establishments because he had become a special figure in so many lives. He took great pride in his career as one of the hardest-working men and valued the relationships created over all the years serving so many in the community. Alfredo will be remembered as a man whose core values resided in his faith and family—a man who was always selfless and found pride in acts of service for others. Alfredo is also known as a man whose generosity and heart were larger than life. His contagious smile and charismatic personality will always be close to our hearts. We will miss his words of wisdom and unconditional love for all. Alfredo, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. In Santa Barbara, you will always be known as "The Legend." Greatly loved, deeply missed.

Alfredo Arroy

March 5, 1961 - December 25, 2023