Miguel Angel Arriero-Serrano

April 9, 1945 – 

September 12, 2025

 Miguel Ángel Arriero-Serrano, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away on Sept. 12, 2025, surrounded by family. 

 He was born in Valladolid, Spain, on April 9, 1945, to Julia Serrano Santamaria and General Ricardo Arriero Cardiel. 

 His early years unfolded in the shadows of postCivil War reconstruction. From his father he inherited discipline and a sharp mind, and from his mother he learned devotion, strength, and kindness. Even as a boy, Miguel’s imagination could not be contained. Famously, he once tossed his mother’s diamond earrings from a window just to study how they fell, an early sign of the curiosity that would mark his life. 

 He pursued engineering studies in Spain before serving in the Spanish military, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant.

 In his twenties, he embarked on a remarkable adventure, working aboard a cargo ship bound for Ireland. In Dublin, he briefly apprenticed at the Guinness Brewery, where he discovered the discipline and artistry of brewing. This unexpected chapter became one of his treasured memories, a reminder that knowledge and wonder could be found anywhere.

 During cross-training with the U.S. military, he met Mary Schrick, who became his wife and partner in raising a large and loving family. After emigrating to the United States, Miguel built a decades-long career at Hewlett-Packard, distinguished by technical skill, integrity, and a quiet generosity toward colleagues. 

 He designed and built a family home in Grass Valley, Calif., where he and Mary raised nine children, opening their hearts and home to nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

 Later, in Idaho, he returned to academia at Treasure Valley Community College, where he devoted himself to teaching Mathematics, English as a Second Language and guiding students toward their GED. For many Spanish-speaking immigrants, he was not only a teacher but also a mentor who believed in their potential and walked beside them toward a better future.

 Miguel’s life was enriched by his profound love of music and art. He found joy in listening, learning, and sharing these passions with others. His devotion to his grandchildren was boundless. He loved them with all he was, filling their lives with pride, patience, and kindness. His sense of humor was just as enduring, a dry wit and playful spirit that could ease tension, spark laughter, and draw people together.

 Across his many roles – engineer, soldier, sailor, brewer, teacher, reader, artist enthusiast, and family man – Miguel embodied curiosity, service, and devotion. Those who knew him remember his wisdom, his ready smile, and the way he made each person feel valued.

 He returned to Spain at the end of his life, where he found happiness once more with his first love, María Teresa Fernández-Shaw Navarro.

 Words alone are unable to capture the intensity of love and depth of spirit Miguel carried as a father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend. There are no words that can adequately describe such a beautiful soul. His absence leaves a great hole in our hearts. Yet through the grace of God, we know the truth of eternal families, and we trust that we will be reunited with him once more.

 Miguel is survived by his wife María Teresa Fernández-Shaw Navarro, his first wife Mary Schrick, his nine children, his grandchildren, and a large extended family who will carry forward his legacy of generosity, curiosity, and love.