Joseph J. Arena

Joseph J. Arena, 95, of Hammonton, N.J., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, with his loving family by his side.

Joseph was a lifelong Hammonton resident, graduating from Hammonton High School in 1944. He served in the Army during the Korean War, active duty 1950 to 1952, and was honorably discharged from reserve duty in 1956 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Joseph joined the family business, Arena Automotive, after high school, running the farm equipment department and serving as Secretary of the Corporation. In 1978, he took over the business, along with his son, Joe, Jr. and remained active until 2013, serving as president of Arena Buick-GMC and Cub Cadet Lawn and Garden Products.  

Joseph was a member of VFW Post 1026, Knights of Columbus #3471, American Legion FA Funston Post 186 and Hammonton Kiwanis Club. He also served as school board president of St. Joseph High School.

He was a friend to all, including many farmers in South Jersey. Pop will be sadly missed especially for his wit and dry humor. He was never at a loss for a quick comeback.

He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Annabel (nee Donio); his parents, Salvatore and Millie (nee Caruso) Arena; and siblings, Angelo Arena, Mamie Rastelli, Marie Dampf and Charles Arena.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Judith Pape (Tom) of Mt. Laurel, N.J.; his sons, Joseph Arena Jr. (Rose) and David Arena (Lori) both of Hammonton, N.J.; and his sister, Helen Ford of Hammonton, N.J. He is the loving grandfather to Katie Kuehner (Wayne), and Annie Pape, David, Andrew, Alec, and Nicholas Arena; and great-grandfather to Logan and Roman Kuehner. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends celebrated his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 13, 2021 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish - St. Anthony Church 285 Route 206 Hammonton, NJ 08037. Entombment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society 226 French St. Hammonton, NJ 08037.

To share a condolence, please visit marinellafuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.