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John Anthony Arena, 93, WWII Veteran, Co-Owned Norwalk Metal Craftsmen

NORWALK, Conn. - John Anthony Arena of Norwalk died Wednesday, Sept. 3. He was 93.

John Anthony Arena

John Anthony Arena

Photo Credit: The Daily Voice/Contributed

Arena was born June 22, 1921, in Norwalk, to Anthony and Mary (Chappa) Arena. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served during World War II as a sergeant in the Pacific Theater. After the war he served as a volunteer fireman in Norwalk before starting his career as a sheet metal journeyman with Sheet Metal Workers Local 38. He was also a co-owner of Norwalk Metal Craftsmen, specializing in commercial stainless steel equipment. Arena then went to work with Gleisner Coachworks. He was a member of the Stamford Knights of Columbus and was active in the Sheet Metal Union retirees.

Arena is survived by his wife, Bernadette McCarthy Arena; daughter, Carole (Arena) Beesley (Hal); two granddaughters, all of California; sisters, Helen Damato and Virginia Arena, both of Norwalk; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Salvatore Arena, Sr.; and sisters, Angelina Schiavone and Antoinette Arancia.

Calling hours are Sunday, Sept. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8 meeting directly at St. Joseph Church, 85 S. Main St., Norwalk. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery.

Donation in Arena’s name may be made to St. Joseph Church.

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