Joseph Arena

Joseph Arena, 82, of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, August 11, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068, shookfarmer.com. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington, New Jersey.

Born and raised Giuseppe, in the town of Valsinni, Italy, Joseph embarked on a journey that would define his life's story when, at the age of 17, he immigrated to the United States. Arriving with little familiarity of the English language, he taught himself by reading the dictionary (for proper grammar) and attending the cinema (for local slang).

Joe began his working life at 18 in the mailroom of a bank while attending Jersey City State College in the evenings. Through perseverance, determination, and an unshakable belief in hard work, Joseph rose through the ranks over a remarkable 40-year career, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Special Services for Morgan Stanley in Jersey City, a living testament to the American dream.

In 1975, Joseph married the love of his life, Stephanie, and together they built a warm and welcoming home in Bloomfield. He took pride in his garden, was an amateur painter, found peace in studying spiritualism, practicing Reiki, and delighted in creating wonderful vacations with his wife and kids. Even though he was very busy with work, Joe was a hands-on father, he read endless bedtime stories, chaperoned elementary school trips, watched every little league game, concert, and school play that his children ever took part in. During his retirement, he cherished the opportunity to care for his grandchildren, becoming a constant and loving presence in their daily lives.

Nonno would take the kids on daily adventures to the park, library, the "jungle," and all about town. He had unwavering kindness and passion for helping others, and could often be spotted walking around the neighborhood with his beloved toy poodle, Paolo, making friends everywhere he went and offering helping hands to anyone who needed it, usually with a toddling grandchild at his side. Ever the family historian, Joseph was rarely without his video camera, faithfully preserving birthdays, holidays, everyday moments, and treasured milestones to watch weeks or decades later.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Giovanni and Vincenzina Donadio Arena; his brother, Frank Arena; and his brother-in-law, Fausto Cirillo.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Stephanie Giatras Arena; his loving children, Julie Arena-Piccoli and her husband, Alfred; Deanna Arena; and Jonathan Arena; and his adored grandchildren, Delaney, Jake, Logan, Penelope, and Cara. He is also survived by his dear sister, Filomena Cirillo, niece, Maria Alfano, and goddaughter, Kristin Blodnik Post, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and lots of treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family's GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/b9262b86, in Joseph's memory. Proceeds will be shared among local charities to help those in need.