Antoinette Magarelli Arrigo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Antoinette Magarelli Arrigo, who departed peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on April 22, 1930, Antoinette lived a life marked by remarkable dedication to education, community service, and family. After studying music and devoting sixteen years to her family and community, Antoinette embarked on an inspiring academic journey. She graduated from Jersey City State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, earning a place in Who's Who in American Colleges. Her passion for learning continued as she pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling from Seton Hall University, which she completed in 1971. Antoinette's career was characterized by her commitment to helping others. She taught sixth grade, designed language-arts programs for Disabled Veterans at Seton Hall University, and served as Executive Director for the Community Drug Program of Hudson County, where she pioneered drug education integration in schools. Her "Theater Arts Proposal for Drug Education" gained international recognition in Montreux, Switzerland, and was presented at national conventions. In 1974, Antoinette moved to Phoenix, Arizona, continuing her impactful work as a consultant for the Arizona Department of Corrections, creating programs for incarcerated individuals and their families. As a cherished member of the Franciscan Renewal Center's counseling core, she guided troubled adolescents and led transactional analysis seminars. She later developed curricula for learning-disabled and emotionally handicapped high school students in Scottsdale, even completing certification as a school psychologist. A doctoral achieved in 1979 at Arizona State University, she was a teaching assistant in the Department of Secondary Education. Her achievements were recognized with the Hudson County, New Jersey Woman of Achievement Award in 1973 and selection for Outstanding Leaders in Elementary and Secondary Education in 1976. Antoinette is survived by her loving children, Maria, Paul, and Rosanne; her grandchild, Lisa; and her great-grandson, Christopher. Cota, her beloved German Shepard grieves her loss also. It is impossible to count the friends, colleagues, and clients whose lives she enriched with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering spirit. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Visiting Angels caretakers, who enabled Antoinette to pass with dignity and love. She was married to Paul Magarelli Sr. (Bayonne, NJ) and after he passed ten years later, she met Anthony Arrigo (Scottsdale, AZ) whom she married and spent decades partnered with. Ann would like any flowers or other gifts to be converted to donations to the Arizona Humane Society. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Antoinette Magarelli Arrigo, please visit our floral store.