Arcadio “Happy” Fonseca Vasquez
June 15, 1936 - April 9, 2022
Arcadio “Happy” Fonseca Vasquez was called to Heaven on Saturday, April 9, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. His family was by his side
Happy was born on June 15, 1936 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He was a proud Puerto Rican and also a very proud American. Happy worked in housekeeping at St. Andrews School retiring in 2019 after 56 dedicated years of service. St Andrews School meant a lot to him.
Arcadio was known lovingly as “Happy” for his happy go lucky personality and how he spread happiness to everyone he came in contact with. Arcadio loved watching wrestling, a good movie with his family, and enjoyed football Sundays with his son and grandson. He loved the outdoors and was an amazing cook who loved making authentic Puerto Rican dishes for his family. He also loved spending time with his grandson who he lovingly called “bug”. Arcadio was a very selfless person who would give anyone the shirt off his back. He will be tremendously missed by his family.
Happy was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Alena McCall; daughter, Nicole R. Vasquez; son, Zachary R. Vasquez; grandson, Jaxon Vasquez; and brother, Jose Fonseca.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Happy’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or online by clicking here.
Beth Howell
Nicki, it sounds like your dad lived a long and fulfilling life. He loved his family very much! I’m sorry for your loss but glad you had such an amazing father!
Bernadette Devine
Oh, my darling Happy. Was there a more perfectly named human, EVER?! Happy, you brought love and joy to everyone who crossed your path. I will miss your whistling, your sweet smile, and the feeling of home you created for anyone who came near you. St. Andrew’s will not ever be the same without you. I am so deeply saddened by this news. Sending much love to your family and friends. You were so so loved.
Treava Milton
To the familia:
Happy had the best name ever! We saw him making sure everything was neat, clean and in order at all times! He was such a joy. He whistled and sang as he worked and we just loved seeing him in the community. New students will miss a treasure. I am thinking of you at this difficult time. Much love – thank you for letting us know him!!
Treava Milton
St. Andrew’s School
Ted Wilgis
To Happy’s Family: I was a student at St. Andrews in the 1980s, and almost 40 years later I still remember his quiet smile and his kindness. One of the great helpers, as Mr. Rogers said, for all of us at SAS. Thousands of students learned so much from him just by the way he lived his life and guidance he provided. We offer our condolences and our deep appreciation for being able to share some time with him.
Louisa Zendt
He made us all Happy, in his generous example. For me as a student in the 70’s, Happy was the strength found around every corner of Founders Hall, so faithfully there, every day, bringing his best. Year later, as a new member of the faculty, I found his unwavering commitment to the School one of the greatest reasons to return. Love to his Family.
Mary Chilton Unruh
I am so very sorry to read this news and send my sincere condolences to Happy’s family. I went to St. Andrews in the 80’s and it did not always feel like a friendly place or the best decision at times yet there was Happy with his daily, genuine smile and kind words. Happy made a difference to many a struggling kid just by being who he was. His kindness and joy were not wasted. He was one of the true angels in this life and his generosity of spirit is very much missed. Sending wishes of peace and comfort for Arcadio and his family.
Tomas Puky
Vuela alto Happy!
QEPD y Dios te guarde y bendiga a los tuyos.
Tomas
Kibbey Perry Crumbley
I went to St Andrew’s in the 80s and being able to jump on the mail van and hitch a ride into town for an hour or so with my friends was in many ways one of my fondest memories. We’d all be sitting on the floor of the van with the crates of mail all around us and it felt like a moment of crazy freedom when Happy would pull out of the long driveway onto Middletown Rd and off we’d fly out into the real world. I remember Happy being a very patient adult in our lives who genuinely cared for us. I want his children to know he made a difference in my life when I was a child. May his memory be eternal.
Robert Dunn
I was a faculty child at St. Andrews in the early 70’s graduating in 1974, and worked holidays and summers for the school, often under the supervision of Happy. He was a kind and generous man and had a wisdom of the world that a young teen learned over time by growing up. I have many memories of doing work with him that showed me the value of doing a job well. These lessons helped me throughout my life, personally and professionaly, and I am grateful for the time he gave me.
I learned many things at St Andrews but some of the most important lessons came from Happy, Joe and Sam.
I am sorry for your loss but want you to know he touched many young peoples lives with his generous heart.
Bob
Jason Diefenthaler
To Happy’s family:
He was a kind and gentle soul to so many kids, many of which were so far from home. His spirit touched an incredibly large group of people, and he always had a smile. So sorry for your family’s loss, Happy was a great man who left a wonderful legacy.
Charlena Watson (Sherry)
To Nikki, your Mom, and your family, I want to offer my condolences to you and your family, I’m sooo sorry for the loss of your Dad, and even when in pain, your Dad had a smile on his face, very pleasant to be around…hold on to your dad’s memories,,may he Rest In Peace..love you guys🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥰
Diahann Johnson
My condolences to the family. Happy was a kind and gentle soul with a ready laugh. He is a part of the good memories our family has from our time at St. Andrew’s. May God comfort you in the loss of your loved one.
Grace and peace,
Diahann, Anthony, Camille and Caleigh Johnson