Juan Jose Arellano

Juan was born in Torreon, Mexico to Raquel Lopez and Juan Arellano on 8/20/1948, moving to the US as a preteen. Sadly, Juan passed away in his sleep, definitive cause undetermined, at home with his spouse on 8/21/2023 at the age of 75. Juan and his wife, Olga, were married since July 24, 1976.

Juan was a lifetime learner whose formal education included an A.B. with Departmental Honors in Psychology from Indiana University in 1972, after which he transitioned to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Experimental Psychology with B.F. Skinner as his Graduate Advisor. He left Harvard after the experience and environment did not meet his needs. Juan later enrolled in MI State University’s College of Human Medicine from 1973 – 1975. While in med school, Juan was instrumental in establishing migrant health clinics in St. John’s and Mason, MI. He also spent a summer working with returning Vietnam war vets at the Indianapolis VA Hospital. Ultimately, Juan earned Master’s Degrees in Social Work {1979) and Psychology (1983) from The University of Michigan. Juan also received Certification as a Specialist in Aging and completed the Sexual Health Certificate Program, both at U of M.

Juan was a psychotherapist at A & A Psychotherapy Associates, his private practice, where he counseled children, families, and adults from 1980 – 2020. He also worked with athletes at the middle and high school, university and elite levels in various sports including tennis, golf, baseball, skating and gymnastics, providing sport psychology services to enhance their mental toughness and consistency. Early in his career Juan worked at Hospice of Lansing, Christo Rey Counseling and Guidance Program, MI Dept. of Mental Health, Pregnancy Services of MI, Hillcrest Regional Psychiatric Center, and LaCasa Federal Demonstration Project, all on a contractual basis, while completing his education and later building his private practice.

Juan was an Approved Consultant and Diplomate in Clinical Hypnosis, a Fellow and Diplomate in Medical Psychotherapy, a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, and Certified in EMDR. He served as Associate Editor on “Evaluation Review: A Journal of Applied Social Research” and as an Advisory Editor on the “American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis”. In the civic realm, he served a term as a Meridian Township Planning Commissioner, was President of his neighborhood’s Homeowner’s Association for several years and started an environmental group, C.A.R.E.ing (Community Advocating for a Reasonable Environment) in Meridian Township to limit overdevelopment and safeguard quality of life.

Juan and Olga lived in Okemos since 1977. Over the years Juan enjoyed tennis, bridge, working out at local health clubs, and singing in choral groups (Singing Hoosiers at Ind. Univ., East Lansing Arts Chorale, MSU Choral Union and Renaissance Singers). Socializing with friends, family, and new acquaintances brought special joy. He was fun loving, bright, and articulate, with a witty and wicked sense of humor. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and easily bring a smile or a laugh to someone’s face. He was multitalented, creative, caring, and supportive. A strong advocate for social and environmental justice, his voice will be missed in the struggle against overdevelopment and in his championing of the needs of underserved individuals.

Juan is survived by his wife, Olga; his siblings, Raquel Illy of Virginia Beach VA, Beto (Vickie) Arellano of Niles MI, Marco (Roberta Baxter) Arellano of South Bend IN, Dan (Tonia) Lopez of Greenwood IN; and brother-in-law, Fabian (Pam) Fuller of South Bend. Many precious nieces and nephews, along with grand nephews and nieces, also survive Juan. Numerous, much cherished friends have been, and continue to be, a strong source of support and companionship.

Juan is predeceased by his parents; brother, Eddie; sister, Theresa; and brother-in-law, Larry Illy (7/15/23).

A memorial service for Juan will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to UNICEF at UNICEF USA, PO BOX 96964, Washington DC 20090-6964.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for Juan's family.