Juan Alberto Araiza

Born in Ajo, Arizona, Juan was son of the late Juan Bautista Araiza-Garcia and Alicia Salazar-Valdez. A lifelong commercial fisherman, boat owner, and "scallop slayer". Juan built his life on the water, but his greatest work was always the people around him and raising a family that he loved.

Juan was a devoted husband to his wife of 45 years, Debra Haver-Araiza. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter and loyalty. He leaves behind four children: America Cabanillas-Araiza and her husband Bebo; Jose Alberto Araiza; Stevie Nicole Araiza; and Colby "La Guera" Ordonio (his favorite) and her husband David. He is also survived by two sisters, three brothers, and ten grandchildren.

Family was everything to Juan, on the boat, at home, and everywhere in between. He surrounded himself with the people he loved and made sure everyone felt like they belonged. Juan loved watching baseball games and never missed a chance to attend Tides' games with his family. He also made it a point to travel to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico almost every year to visit friends and family as often as possible. When Juan came home from a fishing trip, all of his children would get whatever fast food they wanted; even if everyone wanted something different. Family dinners together once a week and always making tamales on Christmas Eve. No one left hungry. He loved taking his kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews for ice cream.

On the water, Juan was a mentor, teacher and leader. He trained crew members, not just to run boats but to be hard workers. Many who worked for him proudly say Juan taught them more than just how to fish. The "Cap" also taught them how to lead and to be respectful.

While Juan's boats were his babies, they were never his legacy. His true legacy lives in his children, the crews he mentored, and everyone whose life he touched. Juan "Tata" Araiza was known for his big heart, his loud and infectious laugh (one that made you laugh the moment you heard it) and a smile that could light up a room (or dock). He loved to dance, to joke, and to celebrate life with people around him. If you heard Juan laughing, you knew everything was going to be just fine. You knew no matter how long it had been since you last saw or spoke with him, there was always a place at his table waiting for you.

I've finished life's chores assigned to me,

So put me on a boat headed out to sea.

Please send me to the fishing grounds,

For I've been invited to catch lots of pounds.

Where every day is a day to fish,

To fill your heart with every wish.

Don't worry, or feel sad for me,

I'm fishin' the Master scalloper of the sea.

We will miss each other for awhile,

But you will come and bring your smile.

That won't be long you will see,

Till we're together you and me.

To all those that think of me,

Be happy as I go out to sea.

If others wonder why l'm missin',

Just tell' em I've gone fishin'.

(Based on the poem by Delmar Pepper, Jan 2003)

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, beginning at 6pm for A Celebration of Life held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, located at 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please bring live plants or make a donation to the Humane World for Animals in Juan's honor.

You may also offer condolences at kellumfuneralhome.com.