Carmelo Richard Arena

Dr. Carmelo Richard Arena (96) went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 11, 2022. He was a longtime Chino resident and was a parishioner at Saint Margaret Mary for many years. He was born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey on May 8, 1925. Dr. Arena was the son of Charles and Annuncia Arena . His brother Nicholas and sisters Mary, Tina, and Connie preceded him in eternal rest.

He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. Upon his discharge from the U.S. Army he completed his college studies at Temple University, Tulane University Graduate School, and received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. He had a passion for teaching and his career spanned over 50 years where he served the public as a professor & teacher at various educational levels.

He met the love of his life, Joan Fontana in Philadelphia at the Independence Hall National Park where they both worked. Carmelo and Joan were married on September 14, 1954. They had two children, Rose Anne and Richard, who grew up in a loving home and they very much cherished their family memories. Richard went to be with the Lord late last year. Carmelo was deeply religious and a devout practicing Catholic who looked forward to spending time praying for those in need on a daily basis.

Dr. Arena will be deeply missed by Rose Anne Abalos, her husband Dan Abalos, daughter-in-law Delia Arena and his granddaughters Giovanna Maria Arena and Nicole Rose Arena. He will also be fondly remembered at the Chino Senior Center where he spent many days enjoying the time he spent with the many friends he made there.