Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Kenneth Arie Obituary
January 12, 1937 - July 10, 2024
With a heart full of sorrow yet gratitude for a life richly lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth Yasuo Arie at the age of 87. Born January 12, 1937 in Fresno, CA to Kamiyo and Steve Arie, Ken's journey was one marked by resilience, having emerged from the shadows of internment during World War II and the loss of his father at the tender age of 11, to build a life defined by honor, love, and service in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ken's academic and professional pursuits led him from Cleveland's West Tech High School to Ohio University in Athens, culminating in a long career as a mechanical and manufacturing engineer. His industrious nature was evident from his first job as a paperboy at the age of 13, and he carried that strong work ethic throughout his life until his retirement from York International Heating and Cooling in 2001.
Ken's unwavering faith was reflected in his long-standing membership at Saint Anthony of Padua in Parma, Ohio, where he humbly served as a Saturday night usher for over two and a half decades. Ken was an expert handyman and compassionate friend to neighbors and people throughout the community, and his commitment to his fellow citizens was further demonstrated through his active involvement in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and his patriotic standing as a Lifetime NRA Member.
Ken's life was not all work; he found the most joy and purpose in the simple pleasures-always tinkering on a project in his basement, growing vegetables in his garden or savoring any and all meals. He rarely met a food that he didn't like and never turned down an offer for seconds. His generosity and heartfelt assistance touched many lives, and his legacy is one of quiet strength and enduring kindness.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Natividad Arie; his daughter, Margaret Arie; his son-in-law, Joshua Eizen; his cherished grandson, Nathaniel Eizen; and his aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews and many cousins.
The Arie family respectfully suggests that those wishing to honor Ken's memory consider a donation to the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) of Cleveland ([email protected]) or the Parma (OH) Animal Shelter.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton, CA. A virtual memorial is being planned for a later date.
Ken's memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of those who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived and a man well-loved. May he rest in eternal peace.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marie McGlynn
October 20, 2024
Thanks for sharing all these memories, Josh. He set the standard for kindness. God bless Tito Ken.
Josh Eizen
October 19, 2024
Returning here and seeing that photo of Pa-him carving down a Thanksgiving turkey to reach its last molecule of meat-reminds me of his many endearing habits. These are the things we grew to love during his lifetime, and now miss the most 100 days since his passing.
For a man with an endless list of endearing qualities, it was Pa´s selflessness that most defines his legacy. Pa was a man of remarkable selflessness. When the snow fell in Cleveland, Pa would clear his own driveway, then move on to the neighbors. Pa was on call to family and friends when a car wouldn´t start, when a light stopped working, when you needed a ride somewhere. I think of the two months he spent in our first apartment renovating our kitchen, putting his retirement on hold to make sure the work was done right. I think of the broken toys he would fix for Nate, the replacement parts for household items that he would fabricate (that´s right, fabricate), and the Plain Dealer articles he would cut from the paper and take the time to mail, always with a cover note explaining why the article made him think of us. His "surgical" intervention to save 3-year-old Nate's broken slinky dog says it all (see photos).
I don´t think there´s anything about Pa that those around him didn´t see right on the surface. He was truly as kind to all as his gentle demeanor would suggest. He was truly as thoughtful to all as the recipients of his kind gestures would imagine. He was truly as smart and studied as his conversation partners would quickly appreciate. The saying "not a mean bone in his body" was made for people like him. Goodness through and through, despite profound challenges early in life.
We miss Pa beyond words and will always cherish the memories he gave us.
Scott Furukawa
July 27, 2024
I would like to say, it was my pleasure to work with Ken, for many years, on the Cleveland JACL board. His hard work and dedication to the community was exemplary and he will be missed.
Libby Young
July 21, 2024
I´ll always remember Yasu as a kind, gentle cousin. He would visit my folks in Detroit with Aunty Kamiyo when we were younger. Our sympathies on your loss, Margaret, Josh and Nathaniel. We´ll be thinking of you.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Teresita Ocampo
July 18, 2024
We are greatly saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Ken. We've known him almost 55 years. I've been friends with Naty since high school and St. Bridget College. We lost touch when she came to the US with her sister, Rita, to further her studies at Ohio State, but luckily we met again in Ohio in 1970. It was then that we were introduced to her boyfriend, Ken.
Since they were married, we have visited each other and became as close as family. Ken was very kind, caring, and soft spoken. He was always humble, always helpful. Really, he was a very saintly person. Our children loved their Tito Ken, Tita Naty and Margaret. We spent so many holidays together for years and years. We will miss Ken's famous prime rib, turkeys and sushi.
Rest in peace, our dearest friend, Ken. Go with God. Our family will always love and pray for you. We will miss you greatly.
-Jun, Tita, Chris, Marie, GJ and Jojo
Beverly Hashiguchi Kerecman
July 18, 2024
Ken was a pillar in our community in Cleveland. He served on the JACL scholarship committee and often volunteered to help with the events. Ken and Natty came to our house for Japanese New Year's for years. He is remembered with fond thoughts.
Rex Malabanan
July 16, 2024
I was about 4 years old, and residing that time in the house behind Malarayat Rural Bank (Philippines). I have no business that one summer day, but to run and play around. But I clearly remember that morning when my dad Poly (older brother of tita Naty) and Tito (uncle) Ken were so busy in the living room sofa trying to assemble a yellow/black colored gas-run wood chain saw he gave my dad (which he brought all the way from US). Tito Ken must be visiting from US, and it must be summer in the Philippines because I can never forget the sweat of tito Ken continuously flowing from his head to his face and all over his clothes. I cannot forget those efforts of tito Ken and how those US made tools he gifted Daddy became so useful. The Husky tools set that daddy kept with so much care are all from tito Ken I suppose. The fair skin and smiling face of tito Ken always remained clear to my mind even after a long, long time of not seeing him. He is such a gentle and soft-spoken man. He is truly a blessing to all of us.
Lou Yukiharu Sugimotoe
July 16, 2024
Cousin Yasu and I lived in the same internment camp. He and his dad, uncle Steve, put together model airplanes. I would go to their house and select the model I liked, and throw it in the air to watch it fly. More often than not, it would hit the wall and break into pieces. Yasu never yelled at me. But he did tell his mother, aunty Kamiyo, never to invite me into their home!
We occasionally chatted by phone after he moved to a foster home in Danville, and I visited him 4-5 times. I am glad that we had some time together this past May. We both complained about getting old and having to deal with health issues. I reminded him about my treatment of his model airplanes and we laughed.
Yasu was a very kind and gentle person, and very thoughtful of others.
Carlo Malabanan
July 16, 2024
We first met Tito Ken many decades ago when he visited the Philippines for the first time; together with Tita Naty they came to attend the golden wedding anniversary of lolo Vicente and Lola Marquita. He was soft spoken, smiled all the time, and was well accepted right away by the entire tribe. I remember his back being so burnt by the sun from going to several outings that were mostly to beach resorts or pools and he had blisters but he never turned down any
Invitation nor complain about his back.
Decades passed and I saw him again when I went to Cleveland for a weekend work-related thing. Tita Naty and Tito Ken treated me to a very delicious dinner and then we went to their home. Sharing the same interest for guns, we spent most of that evening in the basement where he showed me his collection of vintage 1911s and some rifles.
Then they dropped me off back to my accommodation at Case Western university.
He overflowed with kindness
and serenity.
Marie McGlynn
July 15, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear about Tito Ken's passing. I have only the fondest and most loving memories of a gentle, kind and soft-spoken man. I think he's known me since I was two. I remember all our Christmases together in Elyria and North Ridgeville, and even the day Margaret was born. We stayed at the apartment in Parma that night waiting for the news. I remember sleepovers in Parma and how he and Tita Naty made sure we kids had fun. There was always such a warm and giving spirit about Tito Ken. I remember him as patient and always ready to help anyone in any way possible. These pictures bring lovely memories. Jim and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Margaret, Josh, Nathaniel and especially sweet Tita Naty. Heaven gains a beautiful soul. May God bless and keep you close, Tito Ken. Love you always.
Marie, Jim, Maura and Ella
Ross Nakanishi
July 15, 2024
He had a strong and warm handshake.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Arie's name
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Arie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
