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Sebastian Arena Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Sebastian Arena
Janet Hulbert
July 5, 2022
All these many years later, I remember the day Dr. Arena operated on my father, saving his life in 1970. I can still see his face as he came out of the operating room to tell us our father would live.
I will be forever grateful.
Beth Arena DeFalco
October 19, 2004
Dear Dad,
There is so much going on in my life that I wish I could talk to you about. I know you would have the wisdom to guide me. I miss you so much. I know that you are watching over me. And I promise to try to be as strong as other people perceive me to be. I don't feel very strong right now. Thank you for being my guardian angel. I know you must be. I love and miss you so much.
Love,
Belly Bell
Mary Arena Hagan
June 15, 2003
Dad, it's another first today. We've had the first Christmas without you, gotten through your birthday, quietly celebrated the 50th birthday of your oldest child and gotten through three other birthdays without you, too. We've been through Easter and the 6 month anniversary of your passing. Now, it's Father's Day, and you aren't here with us. I know you are watching over us from Heaven and that you know how much we miss you. The love gets stronger as time passes; the pain comes in waves, but it only strengthens the connection we all feel to you. Please continue to watch over us all and to keep us safe. You know we, on this side, will continue to pray for you and to keep you alive in our memories and the stories we tell the children. Happy Father's Day up there in Heaven. We love you so much.
Mary Arena Hagan
April 20, 2003
Dad, it seems to be getting harder instead of easier. Time just reminds us all of how much a part of our lives you were and of how much we miss you. Arky keeps asking about Heaven and how come you can see us but we can't see you. He misses you so much. We all do. Happy Easter -- you are in the holiest place of all and must now understand the true depth of Easter and Jesus' resurrection. We love you. Mary
Beth Arena DeFalco
March 16, 2003
It's been a tough week for us all, Dad. With all of our March birthdays, we've all been missing you and thinking about you more than ever. But we remember you and talk about you with smiles and laughter...for the most part, anyway. There are, and always will be, rivers of tears. It is so hard to stop crying. We all miss you so so very much.
I love you and miss you forever.
xo
Belly Bell
Mary Arena Hagan
January 15, 2003
It almost feels like this is another way to talk to you, Dad. Prayers and the internet -- does Heaven have computers?! Arky told me last night that he wished he could find some magic so that he could bring you back so that I could see you. Pretty amazing concept for a three year old, isn't it? He misses you, too. I hope you have had a wonderful reunion with your mommy and poppy and now with Aunt Lucy. Show her the ropes, and don't forget to save us all a seat. We love you, Dad.
Bette Bournique
January 5, 2003
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Arena's death. He had an enormous influence on my life. In 1966, he chose me to be his first private scrub nurse. I was so proud...a fairly new graduate, and he saw something in me that I didn't even know I possessed. We worked closely together for the next three years...he even took me to Stone Harbor with his family one summer. I learned so much working with him, and will always remember him with love and gratitude.
Beth Arena DeFalco
December 25, 2002
Dear Dad,
I am sitting here on this first Christmas without you missing you so much. I love you. I miss you. And I know I will see you again. Keep a watchful eye over us all, ok?
Mez Kimuss, Dad.
Love,
Belly Bell
Kurt Lamendola
December 19, 2002
We share the same Sicilian heritage and even shared the dialect during visits. It was with such pride that I was able to call you "My Dr." Not only did you operate on me but I also trusted you with my 9 month old son. No greater trust or respect can be given.
Kurt Lamendola
Dianne Rousseau-Martinelli
December 17, 2002
Dear Mrs. Arena and family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the lose of such a great man.
Sebastian saved my life in 1990 and 1991 and 1992. He became my savior and my friend. As one of the patients who so often kept him from you, I want you all to know how indebted my family and I are to you for sharing him with us.
I came to know him as a true medical genius who could, simply put, take you apart and remove your disease and put you back together nearly as good as you were before.
I shall forever remember and love him. My world will now be a little more black and white for I have lost my "colorful" Sebastian.
God rest him in peace and love forever.
Arky-Bark Hagan
December 15, 2002
Poppy, I don't understand why you can't come back and see me when you are feeling better. Mommy says that the only way you could feel better was if you went to live with God but then we can't see you anymore. She says you can see us, though, and that you will watch over and take care of us. I miss sharing butter cups and Poppy's cookies with you, and climbing on your lap, and getting ice cream with you on the way home from PT. I don't understand why you had to leave us. I miss you. I am so happy that I got to see you a lot, especially when you were in the hospital the last time. See you later, Dr. Arena. I love you. Your Arky-bark.
Nick DeFalco
December 14, 2002
Poppy,
Everywhere I look, I keep asking Mommy, "Is this heaven?" I know you are in heaven, but I don't know where heaven is. I miss you, Poppy.
Mommy told me that God needed another angel. You are that angel. I love you. Mommy will never let us forget you.
Love,
Baby Nick Nick Nick
Robert Irvine
December 14, 2002
As a student of Dr. Arena's, I owe him a debt of gratitude beyond measure. His many lessons will guide me always. I fondly remember him as a man of great strength, of courage, and of kindness, deeply devoted to his family and his patients. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Margaret Cashdollar
December 13, 2002
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He brought much joy, love, and health into many lives. He will be remembered as a angel from GOD. May he Rest in Peace in Heaven. Much Love and Prayers to the family
Margaret Cashdollar, patient
Hettie Baker & Klauss Family
December 12, 2002
Mrs. Arena and Family,
Our deepest condolences and our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Hettie & Family
Ann and Earl McElwain
December 12, 2002
Dear Mrs. Arena, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family . Ann and Earl
Judith Jenkins
December 12, 2002
To the family of Dr. Arena:
I first met Dr. Arena 25 years ago the day of a performance. As fate would have it, there was something wrong with my throat. He treated me in the hallway of the hospital in between surgeries; as he rushed off, I asked how I could pay him, and he told me to just sing beautifully. When I read of his death, I couldn't let the day go by without relating this story (one of many, I'm sure) that illustrates what a very special person he was.
I send you my very sincere condolences.
Tom Hagan
December 12, 2002
Poppy,
Your memory will always live on in all of our hearts and no one will forget what you did. I strive to achieve half the excellance that you have managed. May you live on in me and I love you.
Save me a seat, love Tom
Stevie Hagan
December 12, 2002
Poppy, I can not explain in words the emptiness I feel right now and my only comfort is knowing that you will always be watching over me. I admire and respect you more than you can imagine. You have inspired me to push myself to the top, and I will do this with you by my side. You have worked so hard your entire life and you have always been there for me. I miss you more than you can imagine and I love you eternally. Love always, Stevie
Diane Sanderson
December 12, 2002
Mrs. Arena and Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. Dr. Arena was a truly great man who not only saved my life but also enriched it with his caring, compassion and humor. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Dr. Arena. You will be missed.
Diane
Khurshed Dastur
December 11, 2002
Sab, was a dear friend and collegue of mine. He was one of the best surgeons Mercy ever had and a gentle soul. My condolences to the Arena family on their loss. Mary i remember vividly how concerned he was about you when you were in the hospital. He would call me at all hours. I will miss him . God rest his soul in peace.
Peggy Claus
December 11, 2002
Mrs. Arena, Sabi and family,
I wish to extend to you my sympathies, in the loss of your husband and father. I worked for Dr. Sam Garfield, and got to know many of you. I always enjoyed seeing Sabi.I will remember you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Peggy Claus
david dinkin
December 11, 2002
Dr.Arena operated on my mother,Rose Dinkin many years ago. He was such a fine human being and did much to make her last few years.so much better. My wife and I were truly sorry to learn of his death.We feel as though we have truly lost a friend.
Greg Arena
December 11, 2002
To Aunt Mary and all my cousins,
Our sympathies and prayers are with you all. The impact Uncle Sab had on so many lives is quite evident after reading all these entries. The world just lost one of the good guys.
Gregory, Christine, Bailey, Gabriel, Benjamin
Bernard Wolfson
December 11, 2002
Saab was my friend, my colleague and a treating physician for my family. He excelled in all three categories and will be greatly missed. Beverly and I send our heartfelt condolences to Mary and the family.
Catherine Dorsch Wreath
December 11, 2002
To the Arena Family:
I was so saddened to read of Dr. Arena's death. As you know, Mona, your Dad has been (and will continue to be) in my thoughts and prayers. He is now at peace and pain free. He is still with you, but now in a different way. Love and prayers.
Mary Zobrak
December 11, 2002
Dear Mary, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dad. I know he will be greatly missed. Mary Zobrak
[Sally's aunt]
Judy McElroy
December 11, 2002
My deepest sympathy goes out to his
family,Iwas one of the fortunate ones to have him as my doctor which
started almost 40 years ago, we became close friends and even when
I left Pgh. I would call him when I
had a medical problem to get his advise because I knew he cared and would put me in the right direction as he always did, he was never to busy to take the time with me and I
adored and loved him.People who never met him knew about him because I constantly talked about him to everyone I knew, he was my
hero and everyone who knew him will
suffer a great loss.I will never forget him or stop loving him.He was
beyond special.
Albert Marrangoni
December 11, 2002
Seb was a dear friend and collegue
We will miss him
Kerry Kelly-McGrogan
December 11, 2002
I send my deepest condolences to the Arena family. I loved to go to work in O.R. 12 just because he would be there. He was the best surgeon, and an overall impressive human being. I will always remember him. (Jenny, I was your very near neighbor as well, in Uniontown; next to Pat, you know I adored your dad and I am so sorry for your loss.)
Anita Steigerwald
December 10, 2002
To Mrs. Arena and Family,
I feel very blessed to have been his patient and have known his healing hands. He was a superb physician and a compassionate man. He will be remembered as one of Pittsburgh's great gifts to the world.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Chris (Penezic) Busshaus
December 10, 2002
Dear Mary and Beth,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God's blessings be with all of you.
Pat Snowden Dittig
December 10, 2002
The Snowden Family is very grateful for the care Dr. Arena provided for our Mom who had 9 children. She loved him and I'm sure that they're enjoying a reunion in eternity. You have our sympathy in your loss.
Samantha Dax
December 10, 2002
My deepest sympathy to this family.
Nancy Matthews
December 10, 2002
To My Dear Friend, and Mentor (My adopted Dad) :)
How can I thank you for so many things you have given me and have taught me through our 10+ years together in your practice?
My life was forever changed because of you. How I will miss you dear friend, until we meet again - you are - and will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for finding me, and for having me become a part of your extended family.
Rest in Peace.
May Angels bring you home to Heaven.
My sincerest sympathy to Mary, Mary Emily, Jenny, Mona, Mark and Sabby
and family -
and all who loved this great man.
I will grieve for our loss today.
Sebastian was not just a great boss he was a great guy, my adopted Dad.
Lovingly,
Nancy
Benoit Gosselin, MD
December 10, 2002
To Mrs Arena and Family:
Christine and I want to express our sincere condoleances in the loss of an outstanding mentor. We will remember how Dr Arena was always ready to help others and shared an immense devotion to his patients and family.
Our life in Pittsburgh would not have been the same without the gracious support of the Arena family.
I will cherish the memories of having had the privilege to be mentored by a giant in surgery.
Sami Hagan
December 10, 2002
Poppy,
You are truly the most amazing and incredible man I have ever met. Throughout your life, you chose to help others in any way that you could, in your office or out. You looked at every situation with a positive attitude and did not let little things bother you. You are the strongest man I have ever met, and heart and the love in your heart gives you that strength. You have had the biggest impact on all of us, one that will never be forgotten-one that will always be cherished and treasured. You are the person that everyone will strive to be like. Your kind heart, gentle ways, courtesy, generosity, courage, and love have made each and every one of us a better person, and for that, we are eternally greatful. I love you so much! You will forever be in my mind, heart, dreams, and prayers. I cannot wait until the day when I will see you again! I love you and will never forget you! Love always!
Lindsey DeFalco
December 10, 2002
Poppy,
How much I miss you I can't even explain in words. How much I love you I can't even describe. What I can describe is that I will never forget you and that you were an amazing, strong man who saved people
's lives and made other people's lives a blessing just to have known you. Even though you are gone you will live on in your children and grandchildren and in the hearts of many others. Rest in peace Poppy. You deserve the rest. I love you.
Jen Jen DeFalco
December 10, 2002
love jennifer dfalco love flowers jennifer love god
We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing.
Written and/or dictated personally by Jen Jen (age 5)
Jimmy DeFalco
December 10, 2002
Dear Poppy,
The love that we feel for you is undying. If love could have saved you you never would have died. You are one of the men that I looked up to and resoected. You accomplished so much and changed so many peoples lives. I just wish i could become half of what u were.Rest In Peace Poppy.I love You.
Love,
Spike
Beth Arena DeFalco
December 10, 2002
Dad, The loss and the sorrow we all feel is bigger than life. We all miss you so desperately, but we know you are now resting in eternal peace. Thank you for all of your sacrifices you made over the years. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. And thank you most of all for your unending and unconditional love you always blanketed over your family. We are so proud of you. We love you so very much.
Love,
Belly Bell
JOHN KELLY, MD
December 10, 2002
I AND MAUREEN EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AT SEBS DEATH. HE TOUCHED OUR LIVES WITH HIS COMPASSION AND GUIDANCE. HE SHARED HIS MANY TALENTS WITH ME AND MANY OTHERS AS A GIFTED SURGEON, MENTOR AND INOVATOR. WE AND OUR SPECIATY MATURED UNDER HIS
TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE. MAY SEBASTIAN REST IN PEACE.
Colleen McCarthy
December 10, 2002
To all of the Arena Family, I send my deepest sympathy. To me you have been family since Mona and I were in law school. I always enjoyed my conversations with Dr. Arena--and I learned so many things from him. My love to you all at this difficult time.
IRENE STASENKO
December 10, 2002
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE ARENA FAMILY ON THE DEATH OF THEIR HUSBAND AND FATHER.
DOCTOR ARENA WAS A GREAT PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON WHO HELPED ME AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Robert Verklin
December 10, 2002
Condolences from Dr and Mrs. Robert M. Verklin, and from our son, Dr. Robert M. Verklin, Jr. who had a portion of his training under Dr. Arena.
Susan Doyle-Kemp
December 10, 2002
Deepest Sympathy
Pamela Averman
December 10, 2002
With deepest sympathy.
Cheryl Towers
December 10, 2002
We never knew Dr. Arena, but we know through Mary & Chris that he was cherished and admired. No one can leave a better legacy than children who know you're just the best!
Sabby and Mark Arena
December 10, 2002
It is with an enigmatically simultaneous fullness and emptiness in our hearts that we hold you lovingly in your eternal life.
Your loving sons,
Sabby and Mark
Don Kerr
December 10, 2002
Dear Mrs. Arena and Children,
I extend to you my most profound sympathy and consolation. Many grieve with you. Dr. Arena was a unique, magnificent physician and mentor. I fondly appreciate my many years of association with him. It has been a joy to know you, his loving family. Dr. Arena will always remain cherished in many hearts and minds. Blessed repose and eternal memory.
Don
Mary Arena Hagan
December 10, 2002
Boy, Dad, I get to be first. You know I always liked to be first. I love you and will miss you always, but I have you with me, for I am a part of you. Thank you for everything.
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