NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Anthony Joseph Arabia, 98, of 74 Washington Ave., passed away on Feb. 13, 2019, at Williamstown Commons.

He was the son of Joseph and Mary (Esposito) Arabia, born on Nov. 30, 1920. He attended local schools before leaving the area to work in Holyoke as a welder at the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corp where he advanced to a First Class rating and further to Instructor.

Anthony answered the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1943. He was assigned to the newly created 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops in the 87th Regimen. He spent most of his tour fighting in Northern Italy, throughout the Northern Apennines and Po Valley. His primary responsibility was in field communications as a wireman. While in Cimon Della Tiella Italy, he was recognized for repeatedly demonstrating his courage and ability as a wireman under hostile mortar and artillery attack. He was credited for maintaining critical communications between rear headquarters, company headquarters echelops and between platoons. Private First Class Arabia was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism for his bravery under hostile fire, along with many other medals.

While serving in Northern Italy he met his first wife Anna Nolfo. They were married in Lavoro Italy before his discharge from the military in 1946. The couple returned to North Adams and had three children before Anna Arabia passed away in 1957. After raising three children on his own for a number of years he met and married Dorothy Harvey of Clarksburg in 1960, with whom he had six additional children.

Anthony was employed by the James Hunter Machine Co for over thirty years as the storeroom clerk, retiring in 1982. He held a number of additional part-time jobs before and after his retirement. He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in North Adams.

He is survived by his children Joseph Arabia (Kathy), Paul Arabia, MaryAnn King (Leon) of North Adams, Tony of Lyman ME, Perry (Paul Ulianelli) of Taunton MA, Anna Marie Arabia (Fran Maruco) of North Adams, Denise Blaisedell of Adams, Dorothea Haskins of North Adams, and Donna Arabia (Patrick) of Holden MA, and four stepchildren Richard Superneau, Kathy Ballou, Marlene Superneau and Diana Cooper. He also is survived by eleven grandchildren Krista (Stephanie), Leon (Sarah), Daniel, Nicholas, Emma, Chelsea, Alexander, Andrea, Tyler, Patrick, and Samantha, and three greatgrandchildren Michael, Addison and Avery and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Anthony also leaves two sisters, Mary (Mamie) Lebeau and Gloria Rougeau and is predeceased by his brother Joseph and granddaughters Anna Yan Ji and Jennifer.

Funeral Notice:A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Anthony Arabia will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams at 11:00 am on Monday February 18, 2019. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA are Sunday February 17, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Anthony’s name to the AYJ Fund, 201 Eagle St North Adams, MA 01247 (www.AYJfund.org) or through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com