James V. Arena, 87, of Natick, died January 29, 2017 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston. He was the beloved husband of Mary (McGrath) Arena, they would have been married for 65 years come July.
Jimmy was a proud and life long resident of “Squash End” neighborhood of Natick and raised by non- English speaking immigrant parents, Antonio and Grazia (LaScala) Arena from Italy. A Natick High School graduate, class of 1949, he was the Boys State Representative for Good Government Day, Student Council President, played three varsity sports, co-captain of the football team, winner of the Baseball Trophy and All Star Basketball Player. The yearbook stated “The ‘star-center’ of our football squad for two years Jim has remained unaffected. President of the student council, and possessor of an uncomparable disposition, Mr. Personality will be long remembered here.”
After High School, Jimmy served in the US Marine Corp as a Sergeant during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Metal and many more. After his time in the service, he became a barber and Letter Carrier (1956-1992) simultaneously working several part time jobs, which included the Arena Brothers Rubbish Disposal and driving a taxi cab. After Jim retired from the Postal Service he worked many years for the Middlesex Savings Bank. Jimmy enjoyed playing the saxophone in the Canton Legion Band and marching in parades and concert performances locally, Washington D.C., and Canada.
He was involved in many organizations including the National Association of letter Carriers, American Legion Post 107, Natick, Sons of Italy, Natick Elks, Marine Corp league, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was so very proud of each of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim faithfully followed all his children’s activities and rarely missed a baseball game from little league, through college, onto adult softball.
Jim is survived by his children Jean Cotter of Ashland, Frances Arena-Key and her husband Barry of Natick, James Arena, Jr. and his wife Shannon of Natick, Mary Arena of Shrewsbury, Joseph Arena and his wife Kristin of Catlett, VA, and Edward Arena and his wife Martha of Natick, grandchildren, Karla Metro and Husband Adam, Christopher Key and wife Sarah, Roesli Arena, Antonio Arena, Mary Dempsey, Colin Dempsey, Alison Arena, Tyler Nickels, Andrew Arena, Ryan Arena, great grandchildren, Anna, Sydney, Seth, Jackson, and one on the way, one brother John Arena and wife Marie of Natick, many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Jimmy is pre-deceased by his son in law Michael Cotter, brothers Orazio, Joseph, Antonio, Salvatore, Francis and Eugene Arena, and sisters Josephine Canali and Tina Rice.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral on Thursday, February 2nd at 9:00 AM from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick Church at 10:00 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.
Visiting hours are Wednesday, February 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jimmy’s memory to the Natick Visiting Nurses Association, 209 West Central Street, #313, Natick, MA 01760.