Dr. Anthony Joseph Arena

1933 - 2022

Dr. Anthony Joseph Arena
12/5/1933 - 8/17/2022
ARENA- DR. ANTHONY JOESPH, M.D.
BORN December 5, 1933
DIED August 17, 2022
Dr. Anthony Joseph Arena, age 88, passed away on August 17, 2022. Born in New York City on December 5, 1933, Dr. Arena was the son of proud Sicilian American immigrants, Antonio and Maria Arena. In his lifetime, Dr. Arena became an accomplished doctor, athlete, and a decorated veteran, as well as a beloved community member in the many places he resided throughout his life. He will be remembered as a compassionate and influential man, who saved the lives of hundreds of people.
Dr. Arena graduated from Portland High School in Portland, CT, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, received the American History Prize and earned letters in soccer, track, and music. He graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, with a Bachelor of Arts and received his M.D. degree from Albany Medical College. After completing his general surgery residency, he was called into service with the U.S. Navy and commissioned as a Lieutenant Commander. He served as the Director of Emergency Surgery at the Newport Naval Hospital, and then as Ship Surgeon on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shangri-La (CVA-38). In recognition of his efforts on active duty, he received a letter of commendation, leading to a promotion to Commander in the inactive Reserves.
On July 18, 1964, Dr. Arena married Mary Louise (Hazell) Arena in Delmar, NY. The two met while working together in an Albany hospital, where Mary Lou was a nurse, and Dr. Arena was a resident surgeon. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage this July.
Dr. Arena and his family settled in Haddam, CT. In Middletown, he began a practice in General Surgery. He was Chief of Surgery at Middlesex Memorial Hospital for over 20 years, a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgery, a member of the American Medical Association, and a former member of the Connecticut Medical Society. After a 25-year, deeply satisfying surgery practice, Dr. Arena retired. He and Mary Lou moved to Florida, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, and golf as a member of the Monarch Country Club.
Dr. Arena was preceded in death by his mother and father; an infant sister, Ann; and his brother, the Hon. Salvatore F. Arena, a Connecticut Superior Court Judge. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou Arena; children, Ann Arena, John Arena, Thomas Arena, David Arena (Susan); grandchildren, Jahlise and Brandon; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church on August 24th at 10:00 AM. A Private Interment in the family plot in Portland, Connecticut will be take place at 11 AM on September 24, 2022. Immediately after, a Celebration for all family and friends to commemorate Tony will be held at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Church Hall in Portland, Connecticut.
Please, in lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to contribute to the American Diabetes Association in memory of him.