Lovingly known as Mondo, Mondo-Elvis, and Bumpa

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the tragic passing of our beloved father, Armando Rodriguez Arasia Sr., who passed away at his home on July 26, 2026.

Born in Capac, Michigan, and raised in Grand Rapids, Armando was an amazing father and a deeply loved man. To his family and many friends, he was affectionately known as Mondo, Mondo-Elvis, and Bumpa. He was kind, loyal, wise, genuine, strong, hardworking, playful, and undeniably charming. He had a presence that was uniquely his own and a crooked, infectious smile that could light up a room.

Mondo took pride in the way he presented himself. He loved getting dressed, doing his hair, and making sure he smelled amazing. He had his own unmistakable style and a comforting scent that seemed to linger even after he left the room.

Armando was also known for his remarkable work ethic. For years, he faithfully walked to and from work, no matter the weather. Along the way, he would wave and say hello to the people he passed, becoming a familiar and welcomed face in the community. He worked hard, took pride in what he did, and carried that same sense of dedication into caring for his beloved mother, Flora, whom he loved dearly.

Mondo loved staying active and enjoying life. He could often be found taking long bike rides, roller skating, swimming at Olin Lake, golfing, playing baseball or frisbee, singing karaoke, watching movies, or playing his guitar. He loved being outdoors, soaking up the sun, taking scenic car rides, and visiting family and friends—especially when the day ended with something good to eat.

Elvis Presley held a special place in Mondo’s heart. He loved to imitate Elvis’s style, sing his songs, and recite scenes from his movies, earning him the fitting nickname “Mondo-Elvis.”

Mondo loved good food, but nothing compared to his mother Flora’s cooking. To him, she was simply the best. The foods and traditions she passed down became treasured pieces of family life, and Mondo carried some of those traditions forward, sharing what he learned with the generations who came after him.

Armando was a man of faith and routine. His mornings often began with his Bible and a cup of coffee by his side. He believed deeply in patience, loyalty, and family, and those values could be seen in the way he lived his life and cared for the people around him.

Above all else, family was at the heart of Armando’s life.

He loved gathering with the people closest to him. He cooked, joked, complimented, teased, and found countless ways to make the people around him smile. He made an effort to stay connected to those he loved. His love wasn’t something he only spoke about—it was something he showed. He showed up. He called. He visited. He cared.

Armando’s heart remained deeply connected to Sharon, the love of his life. Although their lives took different paths, the bond they shared remained meaningful to him throughout his life.

Armando will be deeply missed by his two children, his son, Armando Jr. (Ravan), and his daughter, Neysha; his beloved Sharon; his little sister, Linda; his close cousin, Bobby; his godson, Armando Medina; and his many beloved cousins, family members, and friends.

He was blessed with a beautiful and growing family of 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.

Armando will now be reunited with his beloved mother, Flora, and the cherished family members who passed before him. Among them is his father, Paul (Araiza) Arasia, whom Armando never had the opportunity to know in this life—a reunion we find especially comforting to imagine.

There are some people whose presence becomes so deeply woven into a family that losing them changes the world around them. Armando was one of those people.

Though our hearts are broken, we will forever be grateful for every moment we were blessed to share with him. His laughter, his crooked smile, his unmistakable style, his strength, his faith, his playful spirit, his kindness, and the love he gave so freely will remain with us always.

His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and every person whose life was made a little brighter simply because Mondo was part of it.

Rest in love, Mondo.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.