Sgt. 1St Class Octavio O. Araujo

Our hometown hero SFC Octavio O. Araujo, 37, formerly of Meadville, Active Duty service member of 35th Air Defense Artillery, received his angel wings on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in Osan, South Korea. SFC Octavio O. Araujo is now reporting for duty in Heaven. During these troubled times God called upon one of his strongest soldiers to become a guardian angel and hold watch in heaven.
 
Octavio was an Elite Army Airborne Ranger of the United States Active Duty Military. He was a soldier, husband, son and loving father. Octavio had many accomplishments of which all cannot be named. Octavio was a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, bodybuilder, fitness model, Airborne Ranger, Jumpmaster, WLC instructor, and First Sergeant of 35th Defense Artillery in Osan, South Korea. His most proud accomplishment was being a daddy to Gianna Priscilla Araujo and Sophia Isabella Araujo.
 
His military awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, Posthumous; four Army Commendation Medals; four Army Achievement Medals; four Army Good Conduct Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; two Korean Defense Service Medals; four Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons; Army Service Ribbon; two Overseas Service Ribbons; Basic Army Instructor Badge; Ranger Tab; Senior Parachutist Badge; Driver and Mechanic Badge; Bar, Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles); Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge; Bar, Weapon: Carbine (Inscription: Carbine) Sharpshooter; Meritorious Unit Commendation Army; German Parachutist Badge; two Overseas Service Bars.
 
Octavio was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 3, 1983, a son of Ramiro Araujo and Lisha (Willey) Araujo.
 
On October 6, 2006 Octavio married Priscilla Phillips; they were married for eleven years. Octavio later was blessed to find love again and marry Emily Klepper-Araujo on September 10, 2020 and they have a beautiful baby girl to be born in August of 2021.
 
Octavio is survived by two children Gianna Priscilla Araujo and Sophia Isabella Araujo both of Meadville; his father Romero Araujo of Mexico; his mother Lisha Araujo of Meadville; a sister Karolina Araujo of Meadville; two brothers Christopher Araujo and Jeremy Araujo of Meadville; his Former father-in-law Tony Phillips of Meadville and former sister-in-law Courtney Phillips of Meadville who always loved him as a true son and brother.
 
Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday March 17, 2021 from 6-9 PM, and also on March 18, 2021 from 11 AM-12 PM at New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, where Funeral Services will follow at 12 PM, with Pastor Cliff, officiating. CDC guidelines will be followed.
 
Octavio will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery with Full Military Honors by the 475th Quartermaster Group US Army Reserves Farrell, PA and VFW Post #2006.

A special thanks to the Patriot Guard Riders and first responders for their assistance in bringing Octavio home.
 
Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.
 
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com