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Charles Arluna Obituary
Charles L., 81, of Long Beach Island, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2012 at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ.
Charles was the son of Louis and Eleanor Arluna. He raised his family in Ringwood, NJ.
Charles leaves his wife of 48 years, Laura, three sons, their spouses, nine grandchildren, a brother, sisters-in-law and many loved family and friends.
Charles worked for the Lummus Company and Foster Wheeler.
In his retirement, his passion for art enabled him to create many watercolor paintings and travel to Europe to take watercolor classes. He was passionate about golf and sailing and enjoyed many adventures in both.
A funeral service was held on December 9th at St. Catherine of Bologna in Ringwood, NJ. Burial was at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, NJ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Arluna
December 31, 2013
Thus we come to the final day of 2013. A second New Year without you. Strangely, this one is even harder than the first. May you rest in peace and shine your light upon me.
Love you...
December 28, 2013
"All alone am I ever since your goodbye"
It seems as though extra hours have been added onto Saturdays and Sundays...but I feel it's because we don't have each other.
Miss you.
Laura
December 25, 2013
Christmas Day is not Merry without you.
It was a quiet, peaceful day. I will have to try much harder. My positive reinforcement has been silenced.
Merry Christmas,
Laura
December 23, 2013
Continuous rain. No different from last season..only that this is the second season without you. I miss my personal Santa!!! I hope he delivers peace for the New Year.
Love,
Laura
December 13, 2013
Last evening was the final tribute for this year...a tree lighting service at the hospital. The chairperson was Joan Hart, the realtor who sold us our summer home all those years ago. This was the conclusion to a long year missing you. I hope to find a little peace each day. I thank you again for your personal works that have given me joy this year.
Love,
Laura
Anne Purdes
December 8, 2013
With thoughts of love and respect and gratitude Charles, I want to say thank you for all you've done for me and my family. I couldn't have asked for a better brother. Thank you for all the years of laughs, advice (which I didn't ways take), recipes, sharing your art, always interested in my quilting or whatever I was doing. You are the best and I will always think of you with the love and respect you so deserve. Peace dear brother. Annie
December 8, 2013
The seventh has slipped away with many phone calls and emails remembering one, C.L Arluna. It is after midnight and I can finally say "This is the day the Lord has made" and many people once again shared kind words and feelings. You have left footprints on many hearts. Please shine your peace upon us.
Your loving wife.
December 6, 2013
Everyone is sharing/thinking about these days last year. Lovely gifts have been sent remembering YOU. Weather is a repeat of last year RAIN.
You began your journey to meet the Lord, but I know you heard and felt the warmth and tenderness of all those crowded into one room. One at a time each shared his/her final goodbye. A whisper, a shout, a touch, a breath and an explosion of love.
Peace to us all.
Laura
December 4, 2013
Circumstances have been unusual this year. Today I sat in the lobby of Valley Hospital. Exactly where I sat one year ago today. When I looked back on this date, it was the day Dan and MJ visited. You were going up for x-rays. Tomorrow on the 5th, Annie arrived. In the hospital today, I felt close to you. Remembering we were still together. Tonight I feel calm. I think I have spent this year journeying through last year. I will try to move forward.
December 2, 2013
A solemn week has begun. The only difference is that I journey alone. I should be content that your last week was filled with "grace." It doesn't stop my heart from aching.
Fondly yours.
November 30, 2013
Today, after a lovely family day, the heart is still a lonely hunter. This day last year I was visiting you at Valley while you were undergoing tests. Still doing nicely. The heart has taken on a whole new way of aching. A feeling so very hard to describe.
Missing you...
November 23, 2013
This time last year we were at the Molly Pitcher Inn. It became our last resident before we were permitted to return home. Today we took Zoe and Nolan to see the Wizard of Oz at the Lackland Theater. Generally, when we were in the park, we would lock arms and sing the song together. I miss the other half of grandparenting.
Missing you.
November 21, 2013
Missing you more each day.
Love always
November 20, 2013
I'm remembering how in the last six months of 2012 you were absorbed in reading. Now, I, too, have become hooked. Each book I read has some memory of you.."You have met with the greatest loss, my children, you could meet with upon Earth. Your dear father, the best and most valuable of parents, is no more". While it is painful, I feel you are near. As usual, I miss you beyond infinity.
Love always
November 7, 2013
Today, eleven months later, the weather modeled last year..wind/rain entire day.
It was a sorrowful day of reliving, remembering, retracing and recalling our whereabouts of last year. It is a tremendous hurt that will not subside.
On the other hand, your collection of artwork has filled me with YOU.
Love
November 6, 2013
This week, the week after 29 Oct 2012 we were shifting between two Arluna homes. FEMA then accommodated us in a Residence Inn in the Princeton area. We began our daily journeys to and from Mahwah...disoriented and unaware of traffic on Route One, but at least we were together...the silence is now deafening.
Forever yours
two great Italians! we miss you grandpop.... going through some of your recipes for Turkey day. Not the same cooking without my favorite co-chef....
November 5, 2013
November 3, 2013
Today I went to the ocean to view the partial solar eclipse-it's the simple things we did together that are sorely missed..personal, sensitive and quiet sharing. It "magnifies" "missing."
Love you.
November 2, 2013
November 2, 2013 - All Souls' Day. All the many souls no longer here make for a solemn day. Missing what is NO LONGER.
Love, Laura
October 29, 2013
One year ago today we began on a downhill slope. Forced to leave our home due to impending weather and journeying to northern NJ due to failing health. Where did you get the strength to endure the hardships of the oncoming weeks? Hope and optimism acted as your guide. One year later and it's a lovely semi-warm, breezy day...also quiet and solemn.
October 25, 2013
Last August we purchased season tickets to Carnegie Hall. The first performance would have been November 1, but it was canceled after the storm. They rescheduled for January, but you were no longer with us. The performance we missed was with a Spanish conductor and it received wonderful reviews. On October 23 (Christopher was nice enough to join me) we got to see the same conductor at Carnegie. He is worth rave reviews! These are difficult months as I have already stated. I can't stop rethinking last year. Your artful paintings have kept me engaged all year. Thank you, my darling.
Love, Laura
October 22, 2013
Well, I wasn't a reader, but I am slowly becoming one...and I mean slowly. I am quoting from a story of a man who lost his wife "Nothing is the same. The figs don't taste the same, or the wine, or the tomatoes. She took everything good with her. I learned everything about life from her." Exactly my own sentiments. The words were from a gentleman living on Capri. We shared time with mom on Capri. So everything was not taken...the memories remain.
Love,
Laura
October 16, 2013
I spoke with Terry's wife today to see how she was doing. We both shared our sadness and emptiness. We had a powerful exchange with tears and laughter. We miss the men who have left us.
October 11, 2013
It has been raining for the past two days..tropical storm Karen trying to compete with last year's events. We were combating failing health during these months. The tears cannot be held. Thoughts of you are never ending, and I like it that way. The dismal weather and lonliness are a team. They hurt. I miss you so, but I thank you for all that you have left me.
Love
October 11, 2013
The past two days have rendered tropical rains. It continues to be a reminder of last October's events. Quiet, solemn and the shocking sound of wind...remember October of 2012 and the status of two people in dilemma with failing health. The tears cannot be held.
Love
October 5, 2013
Today was another special day honoring your artful watercolors. Tewksbury Art show featuring two of your juried paintings. Family and friends joined me, and one of the rescued paintings sold. It was exciting!!! Christopher pointed out it was a nice anniversary gift. I'm so happy to have so many of your treasures. Thank you.
Love you.
September 23, 2013
Our favorite season is here, and I painfully miss you and our enjoyment of these months. The moon continues to light up our bedroom. A message was left for you from the historical society that two of your watercolors were juried and would be in the art show. There was enormous joy in my heart!
September 6, 2013
I can tell by today's feelings and longings that the next few months will be painful. Today my heart quivers as I retrace our 2012 steps which began in September. Your strength was heroic. All alone am I ever since your goodbye.
Love, Laura
August 31, 2013
Well, today was a busy day as I helped hang some of your paintings in the library art show. Then the instructor and I had lunch. It was nice hearing thoughts about you. I like when that is the topic for a few moments. Thank you for leaving this legacy for me this year. It has filled me with YOU.
Love
August 30, 2013
It is Labor Day weekend already. It will be a quiet weekend. Our holiday weekends during the summer were always special. They are different now...no preplanning excitement...no excitement.
Everything is different. A&A are in Africa and she celebrated her birthday there. They are having real time with REAL animals. My real time is thinking about you. I keep finding coins...it makes me happy.
Love...
August 27, 2013
2013 has been the year of Goodbyes. We said goodbye to Bill, Nick, Terry and today I said goodbye to Suzanne who is moving to Texas. It ended a 44 year friendship that began in Ringwood. The road home from Somerville was lonely without you. Driving is lonely without you. Life is lonely without you.
Love, Laura
August 18, 2013
Well, one year ago yesterday we were celebrating a one year mass for mom in Queens. We were at the church where we wed 58 years ago. Our day was delightful as we recognized all the saints that we had just visited in Italy. We checked on dad's fig tree which was replaced by another and then we went to the cemetery with Aunt Sandra. A very long day indeed, but we did it! This has been an exceptionally slow week as I contemplate last year over and over again. I find myself wanting to sleep the days away. I must try harder. I'm finding pennies so I thank you. Missing, missing YOU.
Love you in August.
August 8, 2013
Lauren is being received by a very nice family. The wedding was super lovely and all the cousins had a wonderful time. All roads lead to you. We passed the former FW location in Livingston and the Park Savoy is a stones throw away from what used to be Travel Inc.
July 31, 2013
One of the contractors stopped by today and we remembered you once again. He was the person that helped us into the car for our ride to Valley. We smiled as we spoke about you. That was such a nice feeling.
Friday I will attend my first wedding without my dancing partner. Two very important individuals will not be in attendance as your niece and brother's daughter becomes a bride. Hopefully you will both be together sharing in this joyous celebration. It will be bitter/sweet for some of us. I'll save the last dance for YOU.
Feeling empty,
Laura
July 22, 2013
Everything is a memory. Robert just sent photos of Montana and Idaho. Everyone having a wonderful time. I remember our times in those states. We had a wonderful time also. Annie's photo of Many Glaciers also keeps the memory alive. Today is an extraordinary quiet summer day. Miss you.
July 16, 2013
...and yet another memorial mass today. Your fellow golfer, Terry, has fought a battle that could not be won. I attended St. Matthew Church in PA and prayed with your Foster Wheeler group...very fine individuals. Everyone was gentle in remembering you,
and it always makes me feel grand when they say, "This is Charlie Arluna's wife." As always...kind words about you.
Love from me.
July 11, 2013
"Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life." 2009 watercolor Christmas card from a very proud gentleman.
July 8, 2013
Each day I miss you more!
Laura
July 4, 2013
Adrian has been having his birthday on LBI, but this year he wanted his little friends from Oregon to be present. It is a quiet Fourth (by choice). A patriotic day, but my Patriot is missing. Love you.
June 21, 2013
June 20-21 especially difficult. Your dear friend Nicholas has also left us. George and I paid our respects and noticed you in one of the pictures. Young, strong, happy, smiling and lovable. I've been thinking about that photo all day. It gave me joy as I painted chairs and sorrow when done. I feel strong emptiness when working on a project. It is very lonely. We need to be together.
Love,
Laura
June 18, 2013
Each day "grief comes in and out like waves from the ocean. Sometimes when you least expect it, a huge wave comes along and pulls your feet right out from under you." Moments later a different scene emerges. You are always in my thoughts.
Love you.
June 11, 2013
As I think back, our last trip to visit Steven and Tina in Virginia was a difficult journey. I remember driving the Cadillac more hours than I normally drove. This time I will journey by train to celebrate Steven's birthday, Father's Day, and visit with Tina, Madison, Noah and Owen. Nothing has been the same without you. For me, this will be a difficult journey, as is each day.
Love,
Laura
June 7, 2013
Forty nine years ago today we offered marriage vows to one another at Our Lady of Hope Church in Queens. In 2012 we visited that church to celebrate Mom's one year passing. How lucky we were to go down memory lane.
Manhattan Hotel... "Let me Call you Sweetheart"
Love,
Laura
June 2, 2013
June will be the most difficult month. As I turned the page of the gifted calendar, all the artwork done in Italy one year ago brings back the joy of splendor in the Italian countryside. June is such an important month for us...49th wedding anniversary and the birth of two sons. You have been celebrated at mass on the west coast by your Oregoneon family. Annie was sensitive to turning the calendar from May to June and finding your artful overseas celebration. In our thoughts, we thank Michele over and over again for the gift that keeps on giving.
Today is Lauren's bridal shower and I will travel to Bella Napoli where we took the Oregon children after the Museum of Natural History. I take that as an extremely strong sign.
Love,
Laura
May 25, 2013
Today begins the Memorial Day weekend and at mass we honored the soldiers, and, of course, that includes you. These holiday weekends are difficult because I know how we would have been preparing together. I put the flags in the garden as you did last year. They serve so many purposes for me. I miss you more as life continues to unfold. The hymn today was How Great Thou Art...!!!
Love you.
May 16, 2013
We may have joined George and Linda who will be visiting Anne and Andrew in Colorado this weekend. Conversation with Anne reminded me that George will be happy to see your mom's dresser and dining room hutch in her home...and the Arluna legacy continues. I know this made you also content..so very proud you were. There is not a moment that you aren't missed or thought about. Michele continues to remember you with a wooden box adorned with your Italian poppy painting...such beauty!!!
Love gets stronger.
May 7, 2013
Well, we felt your presence among us in Lake Oswego this week. Adrian and I found pennies along the way to school and another in a parking lot. Now I always stop to pickup the pennies as you did. You know how proud I felt when Anthony wore the jacket your mom made for his Holy Communion. How nice of Michele and Robert to allow a double-breasted white suit with brass buttons to be worn. I brought a picture of when WE celebrated with our family. Auntie Anne present at all occasions. We missed you, but we could not help but feel your joy and your mom's expertise...all these years later.
Love,
Laura
Chris Arluna
April 26, 2013
beautiful couple
Chris Arluna
April 26, 2013
our very first apple picking...
Chris Arluna
April 26, 2013
I miss you
Chris, Nicole, Zoe and Nolan Arluna
April 25, 2013
Chris, Nicole, Zoe and Nolan Arluna
April 25, 2013
Chris, Nicole, Zoe and Nolan Arluna
April 25, 2013
good times....
Chris, Nicole, Zoe and Nolan Arluna
April 25, 2013
the Arluna boys
April 25, 2013
April 21, 2013
This was a week of horror. I missed you as I sat glued to the Boston tragedy. I remembered how we were glued to the radio during the OJ chase. We didn't have a TV at the shore during those days. We liked it that way. I wanted to huddle with you to share our hurt feeling for this massive marathon crowd. I miss our exchanges and shared opinions. I called Elaine to ask if she would share your time together in the early years. It was lovely.
April 13, 2013
As I was sitting staring into space with thoughts of you today, two of your friends called. You continue to be on the minds of family and friends. My thoughts today were of how much I miss you.
Love, Laura
April 7, 2013
Five o'clock mass yesterday honored you once again. A tennis player remembering you. The days are longer and the sun is brighter and missing you grows deeper. I don't look forward to the return of Long Beach Islanders. Pray for me.
Love, Laura
April 3, 2013
Well, time moves on and it is already April. Easter was early this year...we did color eggs and hide them as we always did. Each time I go through a ritual without you, I miss you more and more. All of the fun was doing it together. I try to find the joy surrounding me, but there is a deep hurt that won't subside. I will have to try harder.
Love, Laura
March 29, 2013
I met our east coast family in Florida for spring break. Anthony and Abbie have written and illustrated a heroic book about their grandpop...great artwork...you would be proud. Captiva and Sanibel were a nice escape. You are in everyone's heart!
Laura
March 29, 2013
This is Holy Week and last night on Holy Thursday I went to church. I remember last Holy Thursday when we went together. For us this was always an important week because our first son was born during a Holy Week. Leaving the church was extra solemn this year. I continue to miss you more and more. The island is unfolding and people are approaching me with their condolences.
Love, Laura
March 17, 2013
Once again we celebrate you at mass on this St. Patrick's Day. It was a lovely day remembering you. Dan and MJ selected this mass to celebraate Charlie O'Arluna. Nolan enjoyed his 7th birthday yesterday and he has said a few times..."it feels different without you." Truer words were never spoken.
March 12, 2013
so many good memories
March 12, 2013
March 12, 2013
This quote came today, and I share it with you "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no on can steal."
Laura
March 7, 2013
We are going to mass to honor you this weekend..given by the McElwreaths. Friends and family have been calling because you are SO on their mind. I'm not the only one that misses you. It is three months today, but it seems just like yesterday when we parted. "All alone am I ever since your goodbye, all alone with just the beat of my heart" those words keep circulating in my thoughts. I do feel your presence, therefore, I am trying to keep things as you did.
Love, Laura
March 3, 2013
Thought you might like to know what I'm doing in your absence. Well, I'm finally getting around to reading John Adams. He once wrote to Abigail "I never wanted your advice and assistance more in my life...I can do nothing without you." I miss you so very much.
Tina Arluna
February 20, 2013
We said good bye to you on Thanksgiving thinking we would see you again. We miss you so much Dad. We thank you for your laughter and smiles... we thank you for all of your support along the way. We thank you for your kindness, but more importantly... we thank you for your unconditional love. Dad, thank you for being the best Father-in-law a person could ask for. May your love and kindness live on in each one of us every day.
Tina Arluna
February 20, 2013
When I said, Good-bye on Thanksgiving I just assumed I would see you again. Sadly, we didn't. We miss you singing "Happy Birthday" to us with Mom, we miss your laughter and smile. We miss so much because you were an amazing Father in law and Grand Dad! Thank you, Dad for all of the incredible memories, but more importantly... thank you for your unconditional love. With love always and forever.
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
Laura
February 17, 2013
Thinking of you each and every day.
Love,
Laura
February 7, 2013
February 6, 2013
Tomorrow it will be two months that we are missing you. We miss you more each day. Each day I find new memories of a wonderful life. Each day someone calls remembering you. Today it was Margaret Little. She had such a warm and caring voice. She sounded like an angel with kind words about you. Such an emptiness cannot be described.
January 31, 2013
I will be taking Christopher and his family to celebrate you at 82. When I look at that amount of years, it does seem fulfilling.
C ause you
H ad many highlights
A nd some lowlights
R omancing the years
L ots of love and laughter
E xperiences that were sought after
S o very PROUD!
January 26, 2013
I miss you. I want to see you sitting comfortably in your chair. You looked so peaceful and content.
Laura
so in love...
January 21, 2013
grandpop and adrian (1 week old 7/2006)
January 21, 2013
January 20, 2013
January 16, 2013
Sad and lonely since you've been gone
Because I know you wanted to live on
We tried our best to fight MDS
On Wednesday you said "It wasn't over yet"
But Thursday was a hard day to get past
And Friday was to be your last
But not before all your family
Filled with devotion and love
Were able to give a last touch
And say Goodbye
They made you feel strong
Right by your side were they and I.
Your room was filled with calm and peace and we all embraced and shed our tears...
Where will we go with questions to bear
Love, Laura
January 9, 2013
Missing you each day dad/grandpop....
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
Michele Arluna
January 9, 2013
January 5, 2013
So many acknowledgements still arriving from all around the world. All the praise and honor is yours for your good life. So much love and caring.
Your loving wife,
Laura
Christopher Arluna
December 28, 2012
Dad ,
We are all better off for having you in our life . You showed us kindness , unconditional love and devotion .
The values you lived by and the framework that you lived in will continue to inspire us .
And although I cant fill your shoes I will continue to follow in your footsteps
Peggy & Marty Carrigan
December 23, 2012
Chuck -
A Gintle Giant
George Arluna
December 20, 2012
An assignment I gave out this week was: What is the meaning of the expression "It's better to give than receive?" My answer to this is My brother Charlie. He was always giving of his love to his family, friendship to his friends and his passion for the things he liked to do. He will always be alive in my memories.
George Arluna
December 20, 2012
One of the assignments I gave to the students this week was: What is the meaning of the expression "It's better to give than receive?" My answer to this is: My brother Charlie. He was always giving in his love to his family, friendship to his friends, and his passion for the things he liked to do. He will aways be alive in my memories.
December 19, 2012
Scotty McCormick
December 19, 2012
I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences. Although it has been many, many years since I have seen your family, I have such great memories of spending time with you all in LBI. Mr. Arluna was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He was thoughtful, kind, hardworking and gentle. I really enjoyed spending time with him after a day on the beach. Watching him transform the house in LBI was incredible. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
December 18, 2012
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