James Arbas

OTEGO - James Arbas, 89, passed away at his home on March 28, 2016. Born May 13, 1926 in Bridgeport, CT, he is the son of the late Matias and Virginia Arbas. Jim spent his childhood on the family farm in Fairfield, Ct, with his sisters Josephine, Anna and his brother Herman. In 1970, Jim and his brother, Herman moved to Laurens, NY, operating a dairy farm together, until Jim’s retirement in 1993. Jim was a Laurens town assessor for 32 years and has been a member of the West Laurens Fire Department since 1970. Jim is survived by his brother, Herman Arbas; 9 nieces Michele Ailes of California, Elizabeth Stevens of Arizona, Donna James of Texas, Linda Groff of North Carolina, Diane Coniglio , Victoria Pelletier, Virginia Van De Weerdt of Conneticut, Nancy McCormick of Massachusetts and Mary Hiller of New York. And 7 nephews Frank Hiller of Washington, Thomas Hiller of Florida, John Colagrossi of Conneticut, David Hiller, Michael Hiller, Edward Hiller and Matthew Arbas of New York. Jim was predeceased by his sisters Josephine Colagrossi and Anna Hiller a niece JoAnn Colagrossi and a nephew Pasquale Colagrossi.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. There will be an Otsego County Fireman’s Memorial Service at 2:15 PM. A Celebration of James’ Life will immediately follow at 2:30 with Celebrant Stephen Fournier officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the West Laurens Fire Department, 2766 State Highway 23, Laurens, New York 13796 in loving memory of James Arbas.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.