Juan Pablo Carrejo, 70, passed into the arms of his loving Savior on May 7, 2013. He was born on October 29, 1942 in El Paso, Texas to Sabino and Dolores Carrejo. Recollections of his childhood were filled with happiness and a love-filled home. In the fourth grade, his family followed their father, who served in the Army, to Germany where they lived for many years. He delightfully embraced being immersed into a completely foreign culture. It was in this social climate that he learned never to accept the old truism that 'things have always been done this way'. Upon graduation from high school he joined the U.S. Air Force and honorably served his country for five years. In his late twenties he received his Bachelors Degree in Physics, and went on to Michigan State where he furthered his academia by completing a Master's Degree in Physics After earning his PhD, he began his lifetime career as a semi-conductor engineer for Motorola. During his time with Motorola, he submitted five patents and in 1997 was honored as the "Hispanic Engineer of the Year" by The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Magazine. Upon marriage, his small family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where he spent the remainder of his life. Two years after his retirement, he concluded that having nothing to do all day was 'boring.' He then took a job as a professor of physics at a local college where he served as an instructor for seven years. He was a loving and devoted father to his only daughter Cassandra, and a doting grandfather of two. He loved unconditionally and gave himself in totality to his beloved family. He was honored to be a Carrejo and was proud of his eight brothers and sisters and all of his many nieces and nephews. Juan, a scientist through and through, was a brilliant man whose sense of humor tickled all. He was a gifted opera singer, artist, chef, and musician. His favorite time was spent in his well-worn chair; watching a football game, and eating the Hershey kisses he wasn't supposed to have. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his daughter Cassandra Beben, son-in-law Christopher Beben, grandchildren Samantha and Jalen Beben, his sisters Cecilia, Carmen, Magdalena, and Teresa, and his brothers Sabino, Francisco, and Luis Carrejo. He was preceded in death by his parents Sabino and Dolores Carrejo, his brothers Fernando Gomez and infant brother Pablo Carrejo. Visitation will be Thursday, May 16th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Vigil at 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home Central. Graveside Service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 17th at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Funeral Services entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana Ave.

Published in El Paso Times from May 14 to May 21, 2013.