Joseph Arena

On the evening of November 1, 2014, Joseph Arena passed away peacefully at North Broward Medical Center surrounded by family. At the time of his passing, he was 94 years old. Joseph was born in Ficarazzi in the province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy on May 3, 1920. He was the only son of Marianna Marsala and Giovani Arena, and grew up in Ficarazzi as an avid soccer player and top student. Joseph’s list of achievements while in Italy included a law degree from the Università degli Studi di Palermo in 1946, honorable service for the Italian army as a lieutenant in World War II, and marrying his childhood sweetheart, Mary Arena, who predeceased Joseph in 2001. Joseph emigrated to the United States in 1949 with Mary and his eldest child, Anne. Though he was an accomplished lawyer, military veteran, and beloved community member in Italy, he left it all behind to start a new life for his family in the United States. While in Ohio and then Brooklyn, NY, Joseph worked until he was 69 as a steelworker, longshoreman, and English teacher all in order to help his family live the American dream. Joseph’s active participation in the community, zest for teaching, and passion for Italian culture and music followed him as he moved to Lighthouse Point, FL in 2001 following his wife’s passing. Joseph was a frequent contributor of articles to Il Bollettino, Florida’s Italian cultural newsletter; he was an Italian teacher at the Lighthouse Point public library; and he was a familiar and well-loved presence everywhere he went. Above all, family was most important to Joseph, and he was always surrounded by his loved ones. Joseph is now resting peacefully with his wife, Mary, and is survived by his sister Concetta Mezzoiuso, daughters Anne Ilardi and Rose Acquaviva, and son Dr. Joseph Arena who lovingly cared for and treated his dad in his final days. Joseph also is survived by grandchildren Tiffany, Jonathan, Jolie, Mariel, and Joseph, and great-granddaughter Teah Rose. Joseph’s family has set up a memorial fund through Autism Speaks, an organization close to his heart that provides funding for research on Autism in honor of his beloved great-granddaughter Teah Rose Moya.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Pompano Beach, FL.