Joseph Arena

Joseph Arena, age 94, of Lakewood, New Jersey passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Joseph was born to the late Philip Arena and Michelena "Lena" (Rubino) Arena in Jersey City and lived most of his life in Jersey City and Secaucus before moving to Seaside Heights in 2018 and Lakewood a few years ago.

Joe was a Veteran of the United States Army and a Driver for the Bakeries Drivers Union Local 194 in North Brunswick (a true “Wise Guy”) for many years before retiring about 30 years ago.

“Cotton Candy Joe” loved the smiles on the faces of children of all ages when he handed them a fresh cotton candy.

Quartermaster “Mr. Arena” for The Meadowlarks Drum & Bugle Corp was also a positive influence on the young adults of his Drum Corp family.

“Coach Joe” for Secaucus Little League made sure the dugout was paying attention.

An active member of Unico National both Passaic Valley and Secaucus chapters and a member of the Seaside Italian American Club.

Joe was the loving husband of the late Mary (Pasquale) Arena; Cherished father of Joseph Arena and his wife Maryann, Lorraine Ramadan and her husband Ben, and Ann Arena and her husband Ken; Devoted grandpa to Alexandra and her husband Sebastian, Patrick and his wife Kate, Cora Ramadan, Joseph Ramadan, Alec Regensburg, and Jason Vollweiler; Great grandfather of Xander Vollweiler; Brother to the late Leanora Marra and her husband Michael, and Philip Arena and his wife Agnes. Brother-in-law to Dolores and Erik Lenander; Uncle Joey to many nieces and nephews; and a great friend to many.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Joe's honor to either Secaucus Unico PO Box 1182, Secaucus, NJ 07094 or Seaside Italian American Club 308 Hamilton Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 2 to 4PM & 7 to 9PM at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Rd, Secaucus, NJ . followed by his Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ and a repast at Lassoni, 602 Ridge Road, North Arlington NJ 07031