Juan Carlos Distefano

Juan Carlos Distefano left behind a legacy of love, generosity and kindness on October 2nd, 2024, when he passed from this life in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Juan, who was 73, was born June 29, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the son of Juan Carlos Distefano and Zulema Isidora Orchessi. Influenced by his father and uncles – several of whom were tango musicians – he developed a love for all music, but especially Argentine tango and Brazilian forró and choro. He played in several rock bands in Buenos Aires before following that passion to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where he continued playing music and entertaining people. The trajectory of Juan’s life changed forever when he went to a birthday party in Mesa, Arizona, for a young woman he had never met—but who happened to be his perfect match in every way. Karen Ririe and Juan were married on October 2, 1993, in Chandler, Arizona, and soon moved to Gainesville, Florida. In 1997, Karen and Juan moved to Karen’s hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to be close to family. From that point forward, Juan declared Bartlesville to be the best place he had ever lived. Juan introduced Karen—and anyone who would sit down with him to enjoy a huge paper sack of homemade caramel corn—to the passion and joy of soccer, particularly Barcelona and the Argentine National Team. A true Argentine, Juan’s favorite things remained soccer, music and pizza. The order of importance could change, depending on which teams were playing at any given moment. Juan bravely fought and won his own battle with nasopharyngeal cancer, beginning in 2001. The experience gave him a profound awareness of others’ suffering. He developed a deeply rooted desire to make the world a more peaceful, loving, and just place. He was known as a gentle, exceedingly generous man who would help any person in need, especially those who faced homelessness or cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his equally beloved younger sister, Susana Distefano. Juan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Ririe Distefano; daughter Marcela de la Fuente, son-in law German Simón and granddaughter, Uma; daughter Erica Distefano and grandson Lucio; son Ariel Distefano, daughter-in-law Marilyn Vásquez, and grandsons Juan Pedro, Felipe and Facundo. Juan’s survivors also include brother-in-law Horacio Fresco, as well as niece Sandra Fresco and her family, husband Daniel Luna, daughter Valentina and son Santiago. Those wishing to honor Juan’s joyous, undiminished memory are encouraged to have a slice of your favorite pizza, listen to your favorite song, and help someone in need. Specific bequests can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center or Oak Park United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Oak Park United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory Walker-Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com

Juan Carlos Distefano

June 29, 1951 - October 2, 2024