Frances Marion Arena

Frances Marion Arena passed away peacefully at home, with her family at her side, on March 1, 2023. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Joseph; her children Tom (Jamie Kogan) and Gail (Tom Flanigan); her daughter-in-law Debra Burkart; her six grandchildren Rachel (Oliver Dewey-Gartner), Nicholas, Matthew, Michael, Caroline, and Tess; her brother Paul Russo (Barbara); her brother-in-law Mario (Jane); and numerous nieces and nephews and other cherished family members. She is predeceased by her parents Mariano and Rose and by her son Joe.
Born in New York City in 1935, Fran grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Ridgewood surrounded by a large family that included her parents and brother, her grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from St. John's University in 1956 and married Joseph later that year. In 1971 the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida. She worked at The Bolles School for more than 30 years, the majority of which as the Executive Assistant to the Headmaster. After retirement, Fran was a steadfast volunteer at the Mandarin Food Bank where she assisted many people in need and touched everyone with her diligence and kindness. She was well-known for her passion for cooking, her sense of humor, and her fierce loyalty to friends and family. She was an exceptional spouse, mother, and grandmother, and her family feels very blessed to have had such a caring and loving matriarch. Her beautiful spirit will be missed by all.
The family will receive family and friends on Friday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32007. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 4 at noon at San Jose Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mandarin Food Bank.