John Joseph
Musumeci

June 18, 1946
- August 24, 2012

John Joseph Musumeci passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2012 in the loving presence of his wife and family. His death is a loss not only for those who knew him well, but for the community whose face he changed through his work and activism.

Like most entrepreneurs, John was a risk-taker, and his creativity, foresight and perseverance made him as controversial as he was successful. As owner of the development firm Arlie & Company, John was a brilliant strategist and deal maker who made possible some of the area's most important recent developments, including PeaceHealth's RiverBend campus; Crescent Village, Eugene's first urban village; Springfield's Regional Sports Center; the 315-acre park named for John's wife, Suzanne Arlie; and others.

A dedicated philanthropist who was deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families in the community, John gave generously to many organizations including the Relief Nursery, FOOD for Lane County, Womenspace and CASA of Lane County.

Outspoken with his opinions and unafraid to fight for what he believed was right, he was often praised for his passion and at times condemned for his stubbornness. Regardless of the differences of opinion he held with some, it is impossible to deny that his influence has profoundly changed the shape of the Eugene/Springfield community.

Though few had the privilege, for those who knew John personally, his private personality was as big as his public persona. As a friend, he was intensely loyal and gave of himself freely in whatever capacity he could. He valued the time he spent with friends and family above all else, and enjoyed nothing more than making the people he loved happy. John's generosity and thoughtfulness were boundless, and he loved the feeling of giving a gift that made its recipient feel special.

John exuded energy wherever he went, and his infectious laugh always brightened a room. He loved movies, and was always quick to pull a quote from the classics to fit any occasion. He was also a gifted raconteur, and whether his audience was a close friend or a room full of strangers, John could weave a story that enraptured his listeners with humor and insight.

From his youth, John had a soft spot for animals. As a child, he would rescue injured wildlife and strays ? much to the chagrin of his mother, who was often surprised by his furry friends in the most unlikely places. He carried this tenderness throughout his life, and in addition to doting over his own beloved pets, was proud to support Greenhill Humane Society, Lane County Animal Services, the Raptor Center and other organizations that advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.

John was born June 18, 1946 to Santos and Loretta Musumeci in Lawrence, MA where he grew up with his older brother Bob Muse. John graduated from Lawrence High School and moved to California in 1979, where he began his career in real estate development after working as an executive for a computer retail company. While living in the Bay Area, he met his beloved wife Suzanne Arlie, who he married in 1990. In 2001, John and Suzanne moved to Oregon and established their home and business in Eugene.

John leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Suzanne Kathryn Arlie of Eugene, OR; his children: Lisa Drakes of Bethlehem, PA, John Musumeci, Jr. of Rainier, WA, and Nicole Musumeci of Rainier, WA; his grandchildren: Paul Drakes, Shelby Drakes and Emily Drakes of Milford, NJ; his mother, Loretta Musumeci of Eugene, OR; and his brother, Bob Muse of Londonberry, NH.

Musgrove Family Center will host a viewing from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 5 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Eugene at 13th and Pearl streets, with reception to follow. Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary of Eugene.

In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to The Golden Ribbon Foundation, PO Box 10614, Eugene, OR 97440. Special thanks to Bob Muse, Dennis Konrady, Scott Diehl, Gordon Webb and Jean Phelps for sharing their memories of John.

Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Sep. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Musumeci

10 Entries

Barbara Baekey

August 27, 2025

John, you are still in my memories.
You and Suzanne.
Barbara

October 2, 2012

I must have felt the difference in the world... I haven't thought of Mr. Mususmeci in years and decided to look him up to see what he had been up to. To my great sadness he had died exactly a month earlier. What a character he was. John gave me my first job @ The Software Guild in Hayward CA. He was quite a character, but a very kind man to me. Him giving me that job, changed my life and I will never forget him for it. My sincere condolences to his family. Thank you John for making a diffence in this world. You are already missed.

Barbara Baekey

September 6, 2012

I worked for John and Suzanne when they 1st came to Oregon, as their controller. No matter what, John made life fun and interesting. John, you and Suzanne have always in my thoughts. You will be missed John.

Greg Buller

September 5, 2012

John was a dear, generous, supportive, and loyal friend and business associate for more than two decades. Words are inadequate to express the appreciation and gratitude I have for all that John and Suzanne provided to me and my family over the years. John believed in hard work, individual responsibility, and the good that a vibrant economy can bring to a community. More important, John championed human rights, steadfastly rejected bias and discrimination of any kind and believed in equal opportunity for all, for which I most admired him. I will miss his wise counsel, brilliant wit and humor, and his incurable optimism. So long, Pal.

g.b.

Laurelle Gardner

September 5, 2012

A brilliant light has gone out that will be sorely missed. I had the honor of working with John for 3 years; he was a gentleman, a comedian, tenancious yet tender. To say that I am shattered and guttered that he has left us is an understatement. This man was golden and I shall always hold him close to my heart and in my memories. Suzanne you are blessed to have had the time you had with John - my heart, prayers and thoughts go with you and the family at this difficult time. Love always. Laurelle Gardner

Lee Daniel

September 5, 2012

So sorry Suzanne, I've been praying a lot lately and will send many prayers your way. Wish I could attend the service. If there's anything Kathryn and I can do...

September 2, 2012

Cumali CAKAN,known as (Fonzie)by John

Lisa Jones

September 2, 2012

I was privileged to have known and worked for this amazing man. I have never met anyone more generous or with more vision than John. He taught me the importance of charity and helping others and giving back to those less fortunate. Many of us lost a friend and the community lost a man that not only moved it forward, but that he truly loved and cared for. You will be missed John and my life is fuller because I knew you.

Kirk Selby

September 1, 2012

I have known John since right after high school. John always treated me with respect and despite his busy life, ALWAYS took time for conversation and some good joking around whenever I had the chance to see him. He even took time to take me to lunch one day, despite a very busy business schedule. He'll never be forgotten, and his giving nature and his tireless work in this community will forever be appreciated. RIP John

Laurie Cox

August 31, 2012

John was my friend.Though I am just a local "starving artist" with nothing to offer but my friendship,John always treated me with respect, and as an equal. I will miss our conversations about art, movies, animals and life. He was one of a kind.

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