Felice J. Arato

Felix J Arato passed from this life on March 2nd, 2025. He was born December 8th, 1948 at Presbyterian hospital in Newark, New Jersey to Joseph and Anna Arato who raised him alongside his brother Joseph Arato.
His parents and extended family immigrated from Sicily and Northern Italy, planting roots in Vailsburg, NJ where he enjoyed a childhood filled with much love and strong family bonds. His family stayed close, supporting one another as they created a new life for their children in America. His childhood home was an apartment in a quadplex in which extended family resided in the other apartments with his grandparents, the Rinaldi's in the basement. The families cared for one another and each other's children, creating an extensive support system full of love, laughter, and endless good food. Weekends and holidays were spent together cooking large family meals and celebrating together in the basement. Phil often spoke of his childhood with fondness. He attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and then Vailsburg High School. After high school, Phil attended Oklahoma City University (OKCU) where gained a bachelor's degree in Education. There he would meet and fall in love with Deborah Reed who he would spend the next 55 years of life with, raising their two children, Jackie and Joey. Phil and Deborah loved and supported each other in all their endeavors, always putting each other first.
Phil worked for Moore Public Schools as a much loved elementary math teacher before joining the technology department for the school district. He would later apply his gift for teaching while working for the FAA Training Academy where he was responsible for the training and education of all Airline Safety Inspectors, contributing a significant impact to overall airline safety. Felix was known for his work ethic and commitment, often working as a teacher by day, craftsman by night, as well as a painter in the summers to support his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, building things in his garage, taking care of his boats and cars, fishing and being with his family. He was most at peace when near the ocean. Whatever Felix did in life, he did with excellence, passion and love.
Felix is preceded in passing by his mother Anna, father Joseph, brother Joseph Jr and wife Deborah. Continuing his legacy are his children Jackie Killion and Joey Arato, as well as, his grandchildren Holden, Harper & Leo Killion, and Tre, Brendan and Aven Arato. To send flowers to the family of Felice, please visit our floral store.