Alben Joseph Arena

Alben J. “Abby” Arena, July 25, 1928 - June 7, 2015. It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our Gentle Giant on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the age of 86. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. His happiest moments were spent at home with his family. He is survived by his lifelong sweetheart, Esther, whom he has been married to for over 63 years. They raised three children, Kathy (Karl), Alben (Rhonda) and Sharon (Ronald) and have 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is the cherished Paw Paw of Bryan, Allison, Erin, Courtney, Aaron, Adam, Maegan, Nicholas, Carlo, Collin, Brielle, Brayden, and Layla. He has been a huge, loving presence in our lives and we are already missing him more than words can say. Abby was the son of the late John Arena and Anna Ignoffo Arena. He is survived by one sister, Ann Scramuzza and was preceded in death by brothers Vincent, Philip, John, and sister Ellenor “Sis” Blanchard. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired from South Central Bell where he worked for 37 years. He resided in Chalmette for 48 years, before moving to Covington after Hurricane Katrina. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, June 12th from 11:00AM – 1:00PM, followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 1:00PM. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.