A resident of Pawling since 1969, Mel was born in Brooklyn on November 4, 1925 to Placido and Petrina (Ferrara) Arena. He married Dorothy Bexley in Asbury Park, NJ on July 24, 1955. Mel was a navy veteran who served in World War II. He was a father, grandfather, longshoreman, and a fabulous cook. He loved playing cards, making origami birds, crabbing and fishing, and most of all his family.
Mel is survived by his daughters Patricia Arena of Manhattan, and Barbara Schiavone and husband Eugene, of Pawling; his son Daniel and wife Cynthia, of Wingdale; his sisters Prudence Cambria, Jenny Garafola and Marie Maugeri; his brother Thomas Arena and wife Ann; grandchildren Daniel, Mark, Kevin, Dana and Joey; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his son, Stephen, who passed away in 1987 and his wife Dorothy, who passed away in 2014.
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