Giuseppe "Joe" Carmelo Arpa

On June 17th Giuseppe (Joe) Arpa departed this world and was welcomed to heaven. He passed away peacefully at home with complete dignity and surrounded by all of his family. He will be missed immensely by many including the love of his life - Sharri, his children - Dominic (Julie), Adam (Kayleigh), Tessarae (Marko), step-son Christopher, grandchildren Adam, Anthony, Katelyn, Nadia, Troy, Gage, Mya, brother Antonio, sister Lily, nephews Joshua, Jesse, niece Brianne, and the entire Arpa and Finistauri family. He was predeceased by his father Domenico, mother Maria, sister Marianne, who we know were waiting for him at the gates of heaven with open arms.

Joe was like no other, anyone who had the blessing of knowing him would certainly agree. His personality was out of this world and he was full of life. If you ever went to a store or outing with Joe you would have to account for some extra time because he almost always would strike up a conversation with a stranger. Sometimes these conversations would lead to Joe coming home without his jacket, or shirt because he would see someone in need and literally would give them the shirt off his back.

Joe was a dedicated family man - family meant everything to him. Being the head of our household he was always sharing his wisdom and guidance. He held very strong principles and faith in God. If you were to ask him, some of the best days of his life were quite simple but were the best because they were spent with those he loved most.

Joe greatly enjoyed the summer months and you would often find him tending to his vegetable garden. His green thumb produced the tastiest tomatoes and peppers. He was very particular about his garden and would devote a lot of his time to make sure he had 100% perfection. He was happiest spending time in nature. He loved watching, photographing, and feeding wild birds, going for long walks, and fishing. He was artistically talented and his family members will enjoy and cherish his artwork forever.

Joe was quite the handyman. He could fix anything and always came up with creative solutions, it came so naturally to him. He was a long term employee as a millwright at Guelph Dolime where he worked alongside his brother Antonio, and brother-in-law Dan. Many long lasting friendships were made there.

Long before Joe's passing, Joe had organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for his son Adam who is currently battling cancer. Joe's dying wish was that Adam could find a treatment that would help him live a long healthy life and beat cancer. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate your support and donation : https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-find-in-your-heart-to-help-my-son-adam-arpa

Resting at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, where the family will receive their friends on Thursday June 20th from 5 pm to 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Basilica of Our Lady 28 Norfolk St. Guelph on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10 a.m. Interment at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph. A reception will follow in the funeral home fellowship lounge.