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Joseph Arbena Obituary
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Dr. Joseph Luther Arbena (1939-2013) Professor Emeritus of History at Clemson University from 1965-2006 passed away on October 25, 2013 at his home in Clemson, SC. A graduate of George Washington University (B.A.,1961) and from The University of Virginia (PhD,1970), he spent most of his career as a Professor of History. His teaching interests included the fields of the history of Colombia and Panama, United States-Latin America relations, Latin American music, and his true specialty, modern sports.
Dr. Arbena published several books in sports fields, making major contributions to the understanding of sports and the rise of national identity. His reputation earned him invitations to serve as a guest faculty member at several universities across North America and New Zeland. He was a great believer in education for all, which made him an extremely popular professor. He was an active member of the community participating in the governance of Clemson by serving on numerous committees to improve academic standards and resources.
In addition to his wife Consuelo Arbena, he is survived by his two children, son Scott Arbena and daughter Robin Beaton, his three grandchildren Avery, Dylan, and Aidan Beaton, and his sister Betty Ann Vest. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will take place on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 1:00 P. M.at the funeral home, followed by burial at Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Clemson University Library 116 Sigma Dr.,Clemson, SC 29631.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home which is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Arbena
Shunsuke Matsuo
December 19, 2013
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Joseph Arbena, who is the true pioneer in the field of Latin American sport history. Unfortunately I was not able to get acquainted personally with him in the present life, but I would like to thank him for the great works he has done since it is on his legacy that we younger historians on the field construct our own studies. I believe it is a duty for our generation to continue with his project of Annotated Bibliography on Latin American Sports. My sincere condolences to his family. Q.E.P.D.
María Graciela Rodríguez
December 11, 2013
A wonderful person has left this world. I will always always remember him. I send my heart to Mrs. Arbena.
Steven Riess
December 11, 2013
Joe was a great colleague and gentleman who followed me as editor of the Journal of Sport History. His passing is a big loss for historic scholarship, not to mention his beloved family. God Bless.
Steve Riess
Antonio Sotomayor
December 10, 2013
I am truly saddened by the passing of Prof. Arbena. I worked with him briefly in 2010-2011 and kept in touch since. He was always very friendly, professional, and insightful. His legacy in the history of sport in Latin America will be eternal. It was my sincere privilege to have met him and received his support. Que descanse en paz el muy querido y admirado Profesor Dr. Don José Arbena.
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January Keck
October 29, 2013
Dr. Arbena blessed us with his knowledge and love of learning. Condolences from my heart to the heart of Mrs. Arbena and family for your loss.
Joe Elmer
October 28, 2013
Scott,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May the Lord give you peace & comfort during this strenuous time. Praying for you.
Jeff Crim
October 28, 2013
Dr. Arbena sounds like a special man who lived a full and enriched life. My heart felt condolences to Mrs. Arbena and the entire family for their loss.
Linda Hardin
October 27, 2013
Dr. Arbena was so kind to my ESOL students who were preparing a history project. They told him his Spanish was wonderful to hear since it like being back in Mexico talking with their favorite teachers. His legacy of students that he assisted in learning is so long and filled with success stories that it is an example for all teachers.
Linda F. Hardin
Tanglewood Middle School
Greenville, SC
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