Pedro Araoz

Pedro was born in Lima, Peru on June 16, 1925. At an early age he and his two brothers and one sister experienced the loss of their parents. The children were separated and Pedro was sent to live with an uncle and aunt.

From a very young age, he had a passion for nature and archaeology. He worked with scientists in the jungles of the Amazon discovering new species of insects and explored various archaeological sites from the jungles to the high sierras of the Andes. It was a passion he carried throughout his life.

He pursued his interests and graduated in 1948 from the Universidad Nacional Agraria “La Molina” in Lima, Peru where he received his Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Entomology.

In 1952 his dedicated research at the Estacion Experimental in Tingo Maria, Peru would prove to be life changing. He was the recipient of the Point 4 scholarship to extend his Entomology studies at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C. and to attend the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University for his Masters degree.

On June 27, 1963 he married Gina Arevalo Diaz. Shortly thereafter, the newlywed couple moved to Vero Beach to begin their new life together. Pedro had accepted a position with the Bayer Research Station in Vero Beach and happily worked there until his retirement in 1987.

Throughout his career he traveled extensively throughout the Americas and Europe conducting research in the field of pesticides and herbicides. Many of which are in common household products used today.

During his retirement years, Pedro renewed his passion for archaeology. He designed replicas of artifacts from the Incan, Mayan, and Aztec cultures. He and Gina traveled throughout Florida and the eastern seaboard exhibiting his art at various shows. He also enjoyed jewelry design with precious and semi-precious stones and served as the treasurer for the Treasure Coast Rock and Gem Society for 25 years.

Pedro was a faithful and devout member of St. Helens and Holy Cross Catholic Church for over 54 years. He helped found the present ministry of the Señor de Los Milagros, which honors his Peruvian ancestry.

He was most proud of volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic charity that helped to support his mother and siblings when he was young, so he wanted to give back. He organized and shipped cargo containers of medicine and medical supplies, dry food, and school supply donations from hospitals, pharmacies, and schools to Peru, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.

Pedro is survived by the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Gina Araoz, his loving children, Joe Araoz and daughter- in- law, Suzanne; Georgina Whu and son-in- law, Luis; three beautiful grandchildren; Elena Araoz (17), Lucas Whu (7) and Ella Whu (3). Brother, Adolfo Araoz, and sister, Elena Carrasco. He was preceded by death of his mother, Maria Ascencios, brother, Jose Araoz, and loving uncle and aunt, Pedro and Flora Ascencios.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 2000 20th St. in Vero Beach on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10:00 am. A gathering and refreshments to follow in parish hall.

Arrangements under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, FL.