Obituary of David Reinaldo Aravena

David Reinaldo (Jujapi) Aravena Astorga, 82, of Carrollton, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 12, 2021. A viewing and a celebration of life will be held at Merit Memorial, 12801 North Stemmons Fwy, suite 803, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 on December 16 at 4 PM, immediately followed by a service, officiated by Reverend Dr. Alberto Magana, beginning at 6 PM. David was born in Vina del Mar, Chile to Jose David Aravena and Clemencia Astorga in 1939. At 5 years old, his family moved to Antofagasta, Chile. There, he worked in his family business, learning to bake. He worked for the city, fought fires in the volunteer fire brigade, and danced in a local Chilean folkloric ensemble. He eventually met and married the love of his life, Gloria, starting their own family in 1968. In 1976, the Aravena Fernandez family moved to the United States to start a new life. He became an electronics technician in the burgeoning Silicon Valley where his family prospered. He expressed his love of “Cueca” and folklore by establishing a local dance repertory. In sharing his passions and teachings to countless people, he helped establish two separate dance ensembles reflecting his deep joy of Chilean culture. David also brought with him the delicious taste of Chilean baking, sharing bread, empanadas, tortas (cakes) and pastries wherever he went. David is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, sons Dario, Javier, Jose and wife Evandra, and granddaughters Cecilia, Gabriela, Matilde and Olivia. He joins his father David, mother Clemencia, and brother Antonio in eternal peace. He will be missed.