Andrés Arribas

Entrepreneur, devoted husband, father, and grandfather Andrés Arribas of Whitehouse Station passed away on February 17, 2023 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Madrid, Spain on October 22, 1943, he grew up in a small cold water flat during the challenging years that followed the Spanish Civil War. An ambitious man with a restless, creative intelligence, from an early age he worked to educate himself and better his circumstances. During his eventful youth he served in Spain’s Air Force, patented an invention, sought out roles as an extra in several major films, and was lead singer in a popular local band.

A chance meeting with an American exchange student led to his loving union of 51 years with Barbara López, whom he married in Martinsville in 1971. They lived for a time in Madrid before settling in Scotch Plains, where they remained for many years and raised their children. Andrés had a long and successful career in the wine industry, representing prominent Spanish wineries in the American market and later founding an importing and distribution company, Domaine Imports. Not one to accept that we reach our prime in middle age, he achieved the apex of his success in his later years, establishing Wine Associates, a wine brokerage firm that continues to prosper. Andrés was a passionate, charismatic ambassador for Spain’s heritage, food and wines decades before these enjoyed their present worldwide vogue. He had a wonderful, earthy sense of humor and tremendous talent in the kitchen. He was a fanatical supporter of Real Madrid.

He adored and was adored by his grandchildren. Above all, he loved being with his wife, whether at home or on one of their many journeys exploring the regions of his beloved homeland and beyond. In his final years he waged a difficult but valiant battle against Parkinson’s Disease.

Andrés is survived by his wife Barbara of Whitehouse Station; son Carlos Andrés and daughter-in-law Roxana, of Bedminster; daughter Catherine and son-in-law Jared Duncan of Fort Myers, Florida; 5 grandchildren: Eric, Isabelle, Emma, Flynn and Mirabel; brother Moisés of Elche, Spain; sister Elisa of Madrid; and his dear siblings-in-law, nephews, nieces, and cousins, both here and in Spain. He was predeceased by his parents, Juan Arribas and Ramona Blázquez of Madrid; parents-in-law Bernardino López and Ceil D’Annunzio López of Watchung and Naples, Florida; sister, Juana Arribas; and nephew W. Paul Urich.

Visitation and a Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church, 45 Anderson Street, Raritan. Family and friends are welcome to gather beginning at 9:00 AM at the funeral home. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge.