Dr. Arnaldo Antonio Garro, M.D., a devoted father and distinguished surgeon, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family on Daniel Island, South Carolina.
Born in humble circumstances in Cañete, Peru, on July 22, 1931, Dr. Garro’s life exemplified perseverance, service, and excellence. He earned a scholarship to attend military high school in Lima, Peru, where his academic promise began to shine. He later attended Universidad San Marcos and earned his medical degree from Universidad PeruanaCayetano Heredia in Lima. After graduation, he served in the Peruvian Navy before embarking on a long and impactful medical career in the United States.
Dr. Garro completed his internship at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD, and pursued a residency in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He further specialized in microsurgery of the ear through a fellowship at Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston, TX, under the renowned Dr. Fred Guilford.
He initially returned to Peru to begin a private medical practice but ultimately chose to settle in the United States, where he established a thriving surgical practice in Southern Maryland. One of his proudest achievements came in 1972, when he became a U.S. citizen; a defining moment for him and his young family as they embraced the American dream.
For nearly four decades, Dr. Garro served the southern Maryland community with skill and compassion. He was deeply involved at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, where he served several times as Chief of Surgery and twice as President of the medical staff, leaving a legacy of leadership and dedication.
Dr. Garro never lost sight of his roots. He remained deeply committed to giving back to his homeland through medical outreach and humanitarian work. His involvement with the Peruvian American Medical Society, including serving as its President from 2004 to 2005; was a source of great pride. He also served as President of AMA Peru, further demonstrating his enduring love for his Peruvian heritage.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Garro lived with boundless enthusiasm. He cherished the thrill of driving his red Jaguar convertible, the joy of exploring the world through international travel, and fine dining with family, friends, and colleagues. A devout Catholic, his faith was the foundation of his enduring strength, humility, and compassion.
Dr. Garro is survived by his devoted sister, Teresa Roehrig; his three children: Lisa Garro Strehmel, D.V.M. (spouse, Greg Strehmel), Tony Garro, M.D., and Pilar Garro (spouse, Kathleen Porter); as well as his cherished granddaughter, Isabella Vance, and beloved step-granddaughter, Sophia Strehmel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnaldo and Ernestina Garro; sisters, Julia Garro and Maria Kirkpatrick; and brothers, Juan Garro, M.D., and Nestor Garro.
A man of great intellect, integrity, and heart, Dr. Arnaldo Garro was not only a tremendous surgeon but also a dedicated father and a mentor to many. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, both through his medical practice and through his example of perseverance, generosity, and grace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Peruvian American Medical Society in Dr. Arnaldo Garro’s memory. To make a memorial donation, please click here.
A viewing will be held at St. John the Evangelist in Clinton, Maryland on Friday, June 6 from 10–11 AM, followed by a funeral mass in his honor. Christian burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, Maryland followed by a reception at The Morrison House in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Garro’s children welcome all who wish to join in remembering and celebrating their father’s remarkable life.
He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.