Joseph S. Arabia, 87
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Joseph S. Arabia passed away on January 16, 2018, in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he lived since 1958.
Joe was born on September 18, 1930, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Esposito Arabia. He graduated from Drury High in 1950, where he was a four letter athlete. He participated in the area's fast pitch softball leagues, playing with local teams including Unis Grill, Chick's Cafe and Commercial Street Café. He was employed at Parker Machine as a machinist.
Joe left North Adams for a warmer climate in Florida in 1958 where he worked at Milton Roy/Sperry as a machinist for 42 years. In Florida he continued his softball interest playing in both fast pitch and slow pitch leagues. For the past 13 years he was an active player with the senior softball Kid & Kubs club for over 75-year-olds. He was an active player until the time of his death.
Joe is survived by his wife Madeline; two children, Charles Burlon (Glynda) of Panama City, Fla., and Marlene Hyland (Doug) of Tierra Verde, Fla.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Anthony Arabia; two sisters, Mary LeBeau and Gloria Rougeau of North Adams; and many nieces and nephews.
He loved watching and cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Rays. Joe will be remembered for his love for gardening and spending time outdoors. He had a soft spot for all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them whenever he could, as well as his cat Bella.
Funeral notice: Calling hours will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a service at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kids & Kubs Club, 330 5th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.