Richard Arroyo

Richard Arroyo, 48, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 in Aurora, Illinois. Richard was born on January 6, 1975, at Copley Memorial Hospital to David Arroyo Torres and Rosa Delia Burciaga. He was raised in Aurora and attended St. Therese School, Marmion Military Academy, and the University of Illinois. In 2001 his career in IT led him to start a new life in Indiana. His love of learning led him back to school, and he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Indianapolis in 2006. His love of his country led him to enlisting and proudly serving in the Indiana National Guard. In 2006 Richard became a father to his twin sons, Peter and Joseph, followed by daughter Madeleine (Maddie) in 2007. Richard loved being a dad. Nothing made him happier than cooking for his children and being asked for seconds. He coached rec basketball and softball for his children’s teams, always working on new drills and plays - his favorite being the “Eagle!” He had the best Halloween decorations on the block and loved helping his children make the perfect costume every year. He had so many interests and passions that will live on in his children. He loved the IndyCar races, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and especially the John Elway-era Denver Broncos. He was an avid music fan with eclectic taste, listening to his favorite songs on repeat around the fire on his back porch. He was eternally curious. As an undergraduate at University of Illinois, he studied anthropology and conducted field work with his professors during the summer near the Cahokia Mounds. He wanted to know how things worked and that he could fix them, tinkering with everything from cars, to small engines, to computers. Richard had a light and energy within him that was felt by anyone who came within ten feet of him. He had an uncanny ability to make people, even those he had just met, feel welcomed and loved. In 1998 Richard found purpose and fellowship in the Freemasonry. Initiated in Illinois as an Entered Apprentice on November 12, 1998, he progressed to Fellow Craft on January 14, 1999, and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on January 28, 1999. Moving from Illinois to Indiana in 2018, his passion for Masonry culminated in his role as Worshipful Master of Carmel Lodge #421 from December of 2002 through 2023, where he led with grace. Richard joined the Knights of Pythias on September 23rd, 2018, along with his brothers, David Jr. and Orlando. He served as Chancellor Commander from January 2019 through July of 2019 and held the title of Past Chancellor since July 12th of 2019. Richard was a proud member of the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan and loved to wear his Fez to all Knights of Pythias events. He was also a member of the following organizations: National Sojourners Indianapolis - Fort Harrison chapter 66, and was a first vice principal; the Masonic Sahara Grotto (where he got another Fez); Grand Guardian Council of Indiana of Job’s Daughters, Bethel #66, Grand Outer guard, Bethel #68 Grand Inner Guard, Associate Bethel Guardian; The Knights of Columbus; and the Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot, Indiana Synod #1. He was a member of St Alphonsus Church in Zionsville, IN. Survivors include his mother, Rosa Delia Burciaga, his former wife and mother to his children, Anne Regnier-Arroyo; his three children, Joseph Michael, Peter James, and Madeleine Mercedes; his three brothers, Alex Arroyo (Chad), David Arroyo, Jr., and Orlando Arroyo (Melissa); many nieces and nephews; and many others that were loved by him. He was preceded in death by his father, David Arroyo Torres. Richard enjoyed participating in the many charitable activities hosted and sponsored by the above listed organizations. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and socializing with people. He was a natural born leader with so much unrealized potential, but gave all he could, all of the time.

Richard Arroyo

January 6, 1975 - November 13, 2023