Carmino Arena of New Bedford died Monday May 12, 2003 at Nichols House Nursing Home in Fairhaven after a long illness. He was the husband of Bernice (deSilva) Arena; they had celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary last year.
Born and raised in North Dartmouth, the son of the late Pasquale and Emanuela (Mostario) Arena, he lived in New Bedford for the past 50 years.
He was a communicant of St. James Church, where he was a member of the church choir.
Mr. Arena was a self-employed mason and tile contractor until his retirement.
Mr. Arena was a graduate of Dartmouth High School. He was a member and Past President of the New Bedford Gridiron Club. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater participating in the Battle of Okinawa. He had later served in China and particpated in the ceremony marking the surrender of the Japanese Military Forces at Tsingtao, China on October 25, 1945.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Jennifer Arena of New Bedford; 4 sons, Carmen Marc Arena, Eric Arena, and Jonathan Arena, all of Acushnet, and Dante Arena of North Dartmouth; 2 sisters, Philomena Belli and Theresa Sirois, both of New Bedford; 4 grandchildren, Danielle Arena, Tyler Arena, Loren Arena, and Olivia Arena; and nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Joseph Arena and Mary Gilholm.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordFriday May 16, 2003 at 8:30 AM.Funeral Mass at St. James Church at 9:30 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours will be on Thursday May 15, 2003 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. James Church, 233 County St., New Bedford, MA 02740.