To many of the Campbell recreation department’s employees, John Araujo was a father figure and role model.

“He was someone I wanted to emulate,” said recreation supervisor Aaron Bueno.

A friend to many employees, Araujo passed away on Oct. 11 at the age of 64 from complications from diabetes.

A funeral mass was held Oct. 19 at St. Lucy’s Church. A celebration of life was held later in the day at the Orchard City Banquet Hall.

Araujo worked in the city’s recreation department as a “well-loved” supervisor from 1981 to 2013, said Campbell’s recreation and community services director Regina Maurantonio. In April 2013 Araujo retired from his duties.

“Even when he was retired, he still came to visit,” Bueno said, adding that met Araujo 16 years ago at a conference.

Bueno said he joined the Sports Association of Northern California Recreation Agencies soon after meeting Araujo. According to Bueno, Araujo was one of the founding members of the association, which aims to promote, broaden and improve recreational sports services.

“He was one of the main reasons I came to Campbell,” Bueno said. “He was the soul and spirit of the department.”

Araujo, a Campbell resident, is credited with founding the annual fun runs in the city, such as the Valentine’s and Oktoberfest runs. His passing coincided with the Oct. 15 Oktoberfest run. A few minutes before the run began, recreational services manager Natasha Bissell, made an announcement to staff and running participants.

“She said we lost a beloved member of the community, and all at once the crowd did one single clap in honor of John,” Bueno said. “He had a big impact on recreation, not only in the city but the region.”

Araujo also announced student games at Del Mar High School in San Jose. From 2000 to 2011 Araujo announced for the school’s Lady Dons basketball team while adding some extra flair and excitement to the games.

“Having an announcer at the games adds another level to the games,” said Bill Murray, coach for the Lady Dons. “When he announced kids’ names, it really made them excited for the game.”

Murray says Araujo rarely missed announcing a game and worked many tournament games during holidays.

“Many of our kids were part of recreation teams or participated in events he organized in the city,” Murray said, adding alumni who heard about Araujo’s passing have expressed their condolences. “He was always there for the team.”

Araujo is survived by his wife, Ana; daughter Juliet and her family; daughter Megan and her family; son Matthew and his sister Regina.

Matthew Araujo will be participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Silicon Valley Tour de Cure in June. He is working to raise $1,952 for the association through donations.

To donate to Matthew Araujo’s ride, visit bit.ly/2elilEg.