Arturo Vargas Piatos

Arturo V. Piatos, Sr., Chief Petty Officer USN (Ret) of Laveen, Arizona passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on December 31, 2022. Arturo was known best for kindness, smile, intelligence, generosity and humor.

Arturo attended FEATI University in Manila, Philippines where he was Grand Chancellor of his fraternity. This is also where he met his wife Amelia (Mel) when he had a pledge tell her “I love you”. Mel then replied to the pledge, “If that’s coming from you, I’m not accepting it, but if its coming from him (pointing at Arturo), then I’ll take it!”. She had a crush on him for months at this point. Mel became his bride soon after that. Arturo then joined the United States Navy, February 1975. Together and with their children, they were assigned to bases in the Philippines and bases up and down the coast of California. Upon retirement from the Navy after 24 years, Arturo worked for the U.S. Postal Service and then on to Charles Schwab.

Arturo was a foodie. He loved to try food from all over the world. A trait he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was known for saying “How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tried it?” Arturo also LOVED to drink cold Coke-a-Cola Classic. Up until the day he was unable to, he always had to have a coke. Besides watching TFC, you can be sure to catch Arturo watching a war movie or just about anything to do with war history or espionage. Hogan’s Heroes and M.A.S.H. were a favorite. The Bourne Identity a close second. Arturo was a proud NRA member and a true patriot.

Arturo made many friends throughout the years. Some of those friends became as close as family. Although separated by many miles, this group would make sure that they would have a reunion each year. Arturo very much looked forward to these reunions and would be so happy to see his brothers and sisters. He was already planning the next one before they could even say “hello”.

Arturo is predeceased by his father, Jose Piatos, Jr. He is survived by his wife Mel and his children Geraldine Piatos-Garcia, MaryAnn Mangabat, Arturo Jr. Piatos, Nikki Piatos and their spouses Gino, Kent and Esmeralda. Grandchildren Devan, Alexandra, Anissa, Malia, Julian, Aiyanna, Santiago, and Jane. Great grandchildren Brielle, Noah and Justin. He is also survived by his mother Encarnacion Piatos and his sister Evelyn.

Memorial, funeral services and burial will be at:

Resthaven/Carr-Jenney

Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

4310 E. Southern Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85402

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Tymczyna for her treasured support and friendship to our family. We also want to express our gratitude to the many doctors and nurses from the Banner Emergency Departments, Rehab and ICU departments for the compassion and professionalism during Arturo’s stay with you. Also to Father McFarland from Our Lady of Sorrows Priory. Our deepest Thank You to Dignity Health – Ryan House for the care you gave to Arturo and his wife during his last moments.