Staff at Joe’s Café are mourning the loss of two longtime employees who both died on Christmas Day.

Alfredo Arroyo passed away on Dec. 25 from complications after suffering a heart attack in November.

Friends and family shared in a GoFundMe fundraiser that he was recovering at UCLA Medical Center, but he died after complications from emergency surgeries. 

According to the GoFundMe, which was organized by Marcie Martinez and will support his family, Arroyo was a bartender at Joe’s Café and the general manager of the Crocodile Restaurant at the Lemon Tree Inn in Santa Barbara. 

“Alfredo is loved by the Santa Barbara community,” the GoFundMe said when first organized. “Alfredo has been a pillar of the community since he was the GM at Café de Sol in Montecito for 39 years.”

In an update announcing his death, Martinez said that Arroyo was “still sharing words of wisdom, encouragement and reassurance of his devoted faith and love for his family,” in his final hours.

“Alfredo was a man who was full of life and endless love for all,” Martinez said in the update. “His courage through this entire battle to survive is a testament to his character. He was a man that was gracious, gave without question and invited all to feel welcomed and loved.”

A rosary for Arroyo will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at St. Raphael’s Church at 5444 Hollister Avenue, and his funeral will be held at the same location at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Kim Avakian, another Joe’s Café employee, also died unexpectedly on Dec. 25. 

A GoFundMe set up for Avakian’s family says that her unexpected passing “left the family grappling with the weight of unforeseen expenses that accompany bidding farewell to a cherished soul.”

“Kim was well loved by many who knew her,” said family friend Courtney Drazich. “She worked at Joe’s Café in Santa Barbara for over 20 years and created longtime friendships with many of the restaurant’s regular customers and staff. She had a big personality, and an even bigger heart.”

A service was scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday morning at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, followed by a potluck reception at Manning Park Area 1. 

“[Arroyo and Avakian] were so much more than just our bartender and server; they were part of our family,” Joe’s Café staff posted on Instagram. “Amidst the sadness, we take a moment to celebrate their vibrant spirits and unwavering dedication to making every visit unforgettable. Our hearts go out to their families during this difficult time.

“Let’s raise a glass to Alfredo and Kim — two remarkable people who left an indelible mark on our hearts and the community.”