Christmas J. Arena, 97, of W. State Street, Edinburg passed away the morning of December 10, 2013 in Golden Hill Nursing Home.
He was born January 1, 1916 in Hillsville and was the son of the late Nicola and Theresa Scaletta Arena. On May 17, 1947 he married his wife, the former Sally Gentile. She preceded him in death on January 2, 1997.
Mr. Arena retired from US Steel where he worked as a stone crusher. He had also worked for Mahoning Township in the road department and Zarlingo Paving. He was also the owner and operator of Arena Service Station in Edinburg.
Christmas was a United States Army veteran serving during World War II, earning a Purple Heart. He was a member of the Mahoning Sportsman Club and a member of Christ the King Parish. He enjoyed gardening and was well known in the Amish Community as a friend. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Mr. Arena is survived by a son, Nicholas Arena of New Castle; a daughter and son-in-law, Loretta Cooper and husband Brian of Edinburg; companion, Anita Yeropoli of Hillsville; daughter-in-law, Ivana Arena of New Castle; sister, Rose Micco of Edinburg; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Arena; an infant son; three brothers, Joseph, Rocco and Patsy Arena; sister, Bertha Arena and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Arena.
Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at St. Lawrence Church of Christ the King Parish, 175 Martin Kelly Spear Road, Edinburg. A mass of christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Father James Downs will officiate. Military rites will be provided by the New Castle Area Honor Guard on Friday at the church. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.