John Arena passed away at home on January 4th at the age of 87. John was born and raised in East Boston, lived in East Boston for 47 years and the past 40 years in Melrose. He owned Arenas Market in East Boston for many years and then worked as a butcher for Stop & Shop for 10 years. After retiring, Mr. Arena worked as a real estate broker for Co-Ree Realty in Stoneham for a number of years. John was an accomplished musician, enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He was a former member of the K of C in East Boston and the Camfree Club. He was the loving husband of 49 years to Mary A. (Martino) Arena. Beloved father of John Arena Jr. & his wife Mary E. of Stoneham, Maria Arena of Malden, Nancy Arena of Lowell, Roberta Arena Swann & her husband LaDon of AL and Gianine McCluskey & her husband Michael of NH. Brother of Pauline Donatelli of E. Boston, Anna Capillo of Saugus, Guy Arena of Wilmington and the late Josephine, Angelo, Dominic Arena & Esther DOrio. Grandfather of Kara, Nick, Ian, William, James, Gage, Elizabeth, Catherine & Grace. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Sat. Jan. 8th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in The Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday 3-8PM. Burial in Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to VNA of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave Suite #17, Wakefield 01880 or a charity of your choice.