Major Joseph T. Arena, United States Air Force, 88, of Fitzgerald died Friday, December 31, 2010 at Fitzgerald Nursing Home.
In accordance with Maj. Arena’s wishes, private graveside services will be held at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia. The Knights of Honor Air Force Honor Guard will render full military honors.
Maj. Arena was born March 17, 1922 in New York, New York to the late Frank Arena and Jenni Cutrona Arena. He grew up in New York and started college at 16 years of age at New York University studying veterinary science until the start of World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps and became a fighter pilot. Maj. Arena served in the European theater: first in North Africa followed by tours in Sicily and Germany. He had the honor of being one of America’s first jet fighter pilots to serve in the newly formed United States Air Force and served in Korea. Maj. Arena had a distinguished military career flying over 83 missions. Having fulfilled his commitment to our country, Maj. Arena worked for a time in the automobile industry. In 1963, he began opening Italian restaurants first in New York, then in Durango, Colorado, and finally North Augusta, South Carolina where he retired. Maj. Arena moved to Fitzgerald in 1990 following the birth of his grandson. He was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include three sons: Joseph T. Arena, Jr. of Long Island, New York, Gerald Arena of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Michael C. Arena, Sr. of Fitzgerald; one grandson: Michael C. Arena, Jr. of Fitzgerald; and two sisters: Margie Rizzo of Texas and Rosie Arena of California. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Millie Carmela DiBenedetto Arena; and two sisters: Josie Pesenti and Nina Drennen.