James J. Arteca

In loving memory of James J Arteca who passed away peacefully on May 7, 2020, at the age of 91. He was born on December 17, 1928 to Rose and Gennaro Arteca in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was the youngest of 7 siblings. He grew up in the same neighborhood where he was born and fell in love and married the beautiful girl who lived across the street, Elsie. They moved to Long Island where they raised 5 children together. After his long career of 46 years at Elizabeth Arden in N.Y.C, he retired then moved with his wife to Arizona to be with their children and grandchildren. The biggest joy in his life was being with his family. He loved the big holiday gatherings where in recent years we grew to thirty family members celebrating together. He would not have it any other way! He loved to travel with our mom, they enjoyed many trips and cruises together, they went to Italy, Alaska, and the Caribbean. He also took many trips with his children from New York to Hawaii, Mexico, California, Texas, and Florida to name a few. He got to explore and enjoy trips all over Arizona. He loved to vacation in Munds park, he also took many trips with grandchildren to places like Bearizona and the polar express. He went to the Grand Canyon, Tucson, Tombstone, and took a ride on the Verde Valley Railroad. He never turned down an outing or chance to be around the grandkids and great grandkids. He was there for everything from pumpkin patches, zoos, too Cardinals and Diamond backs games. He attended all the kid’s birthday parties, sporting events as well. His hobbies were many he loved food, dining out, cooking, baking and of course wine. He always had a garden and in Arizona he had fig trees grape gives and citrus trees. He loved the outdoors where he could hunt and fish. He also loved playing BINGO with our mom and his kids. He was a proud member of the Arizona American Italian Club and made lifelong friends there.

He is survived by his sister Teresa Cerbone NY, His 5 children James, Patricia, (Richard), Diane, (Larry) , Phillip, (Emely), Joseph, (Pam), 8 loving grandchildren, Jimmy, Nicole, Steven, Devin, Lawson, Phillip, Joseph, and Emma. 9 beautiful Great Grandchildren Cameron, Tyler, Jayden, Cailyn, Lily, Easton, Carter, Alex, and Elsie.

He will always be remembered as being a kind, honest, gentle, and loving man with a heart of gold. He also had a great sense of humor and a smile, always a smile. He was a man of faith and as soon as they moved to Phoenix, they started attending mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic church. This is where a mass will be held on May 22, 2020 at 10am (A viewing will be held at 10 - 10:30am before Mass begins)

3801 E. Greenway rd. Phoenix AZ 85032.

ALL are invited to attend!!