Jose Santos Arroyo

Jose Santos Arroyo passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 31, 2009 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He was born January 16, 1931 in Hormingueros, Puerto Rico. Jose moved to the United States at the age of 19 and resided in Florida for few years. Then, he moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and worked at the Grand Rapids Furniture Company (1957 to 1993) as a machine operator and making furniture. He served in the Army for eighteen months and did a tour in the Korean War. He received a degree in Culinary Arts. He was a loving and caring father and husband, a proud grandfather. He enjoyed sweet cherries and shelled peanuts; and was a big fan of boxing and baseball. He had brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family in Puerto Rico and the United States. He was preceded in death by his parents and other family members. Jose is survived by his former wife Tammy Bullis (Shawandase), his son David Arroyo (Andrea), his daughter Lisa Shawandase, five grandchildren Delia Shawandase, Tayla Bailey, Adam Arroyo, Jason Arroyo and Michelle Arroyo. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. Visitation will be held Tuesday 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Chapel. Interment will take place in the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.