Charles A. Arena

Charles A. Arena, of Hingham, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 88.

Born in Boston on October 14, 1933, he was the son of the late Cosimo C. and Rose (Ciriletto) Arena. Charles was raised in East Boston, attended local schools, and graduated from Boston Latin School with the Class of 1951. He continued his education at Harvard University and earned his undergraduate degree with the Class of 1955. Charles later earned his Master’s in Business Administration.

Charles was the President and CEO in the metal distribution industry. He enjoyed his work and the relationships he built throughout the years.

He excelled in athletics and played track and football for both Boston Latin School and Harvard.

He was active and devoted for many, many years, in organizing alumni events for the Harvard Class of ’55, an endeavor which he truly loved. He served with many Harvard organizations over the years, including The Harvard Club of Hingham and the Reunion Committee. He took a lead role in planning the 25^th Reunion for his class, a week-long affair which remains a treasured memory to his whole family.

Charles was an avid sports fan. He loved the Celtics, the Bruins, The Red Sox, and especially The New England Patriots. His favorite event of the year, though, was the annual Harvard-Yale football game. He attended most of them over 70 years, both at home and away.

Charles was the Devoted father of Christopher C. Arena and his late wife Annette of Vermont, Rosamond M. Arena of Watertown, Philip T. Arena of Hingham, Nancy A. Grant and her husband Mark of North Reading, Jane C. Gilmartin and her husband Gregory of Hingham, and Charles A. Arena Jr. of Natick. He was the loving grandfather of nine and the loving great grandfather of seven. Charles was the dear brother of Dr. Philip J. Arena and his late wife Claire of Hingham and the late Frances Puopolo. He was the life-long friend of Joe Fiore of Florida and Frank Nahigian of Watertown. Charles is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 3-6 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9 AM on Thursday, February 3, 2022, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM.

Services conclude with interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Charles may be sent to Friends of Harvard Football, C/O Tim Murphy, 65 N. Harvard St., Boston, MA 02163, or the charitable organization of one’s choice.