Anthony John Arena

Anthony "Tony" J. Arena, 97, of Randolph, MA passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2024.
Tony was born on July 24, 1926 in Hyde Park, MA to the late Giussepe and Antonina Arena of Sicily, Italy. He was brother to the late Placido, Joseph and Dominic Arena and Mary Palumbo. He was pre-deceased by his beautiful wife, Phyllis Lanergan Arena whom he missed deeply for the past 23 years since her passing in 2001.
He is survived by his devoted and adoring family; his son John "Jack" Arena and his wife Diane Arena of Northfield, MA and their children Emily and Kevin Czepiel, Patrick and Daniella Arena, Johnny Arena and Ellen Arena along with his daughter, Carole Arena Maloney and her husband Michael Maloney of Hull, MA and their children Catherine Maloney Bugazia and Magid Bugazia, Kerrin Maloney, Shay Maloney Heran and Sean Heran and Jack Maloney. Tony is also survived by two great grandchildren, his buds Colin and Christopher Czepiel.
Tony was a veteran of the Korean War where he served as an Army mechanic stationed in South Korea. He attended Fitchburg State University and was very proud of his career as a teacher at Norwood High School and later as a professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Throughout his life he was an avid golfer and remained a member of Ponkapog Golf Course into his nineties. He loved all things hockey and never missed any of his son's or grandsons' hockey games. He was intensely proud of his son Jack's career as the head coach of the Amherst College Hockey Team and was beloved by the Amherst College hockey community. He spent most of his weekends driving all over New England following the Amherst College hockey team and the various teams his grandsons were playing on at the time.
His happy place was on Cape Cod, where he owned a cottage at Salt Air Village in Dennisport for over 50 years. He spent his summer days baking in the sun and watching the boats pass by at Sesuit Harbor ("Little Beach") with his dedicated companion- his daughter Carole. She always made sure he had fresh cherries, a sandwich and a cold drink to enjoy on the beach. His grandkids and their friends never missed an opportunity to sit on the beach with Gramp. He was a beach bum and sun worshipper and passed those qualities along to his family. He spent his evenings rotating between cookouts at his children's houses and socializing with his amazing neighbors at Salt Air Village. He was happiest at the Cape because it was the spot where his family was all together in one place.
Grampy's greatest joy in life were his 8 grandchildren, his "pals." He always knew every detail of their lives (for better or worse) and never hesitated to share his wisdom, opinions and affection with them. They cherished and enjoyed their time with him and shared infinite meals together at their weekly Sunday dinners at his Randolph house and breakfast, lunch and dinner dates at his favorite spots, Toast of the Town and Olive Garden. He was more than their grandfather; he was truly a friend.
Tony was a great cook and loved cooking with his granddaughters. He passed down his delicious Sicilian recipes that will live on for generations. He had a green thumb and planted beautiful flower boxes at his cottage every summer. Not many people knew that he was a talented painter, dancer and roller skater. Every one who met him knew he was a "spiffy" dresser and had an impeccable sense of style. He was a renaissance man who could fix your car and tackle any home repair project or craft a Christmas wreath and teach you how to slow dance correctly.
His big presence was felt by all who came in contact with him and will be sorely missed. He loved a sunny day, a good meal and most importantly, the company of his family. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Following a private service, Tony's family invites you to join them for a gathering to celebrate his life on Thursday, June 13th from 4-7 PM at the Braintree Yacht Club at 9 Gordon Road in Braintree, MA 02184.