CONNEAUT — Chester A. Arcaro Sr., age 83, died Thursday evening, Dec. 27, 2012, with his family at his side, after a long battle with cancer.
Chet was born Jan. 9, 1929, in Conneaut, Ohio, the son of Giovanni (John) and Mari Antonia (Mary) Lombardo Arcaro. Growing up in Conneaut, Chet worked for a time starting at the age of 14 for the former Nickel Plate Railroad. He graduated from Conneaut High School in 1947. He then entered the Unites States Air Force where he served four years during the Korean Conflict.
When Chet returned home he was the owner/operator of Chet’s Gulf Station on the corner of Buffalo and State Sts. He then worked for Prudential Life Insurance Company for over 30 years. Chet was also well known for his 17 years of public service to the City of Conneaut, serving as the Housing, Building & Zoning Inspector. When Chet retired from public service, he opened CJ’s Quickstop for several years.
Chet was a member of St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parish and was active with many church functions over the years. He also was an avid carpenter and woodworker, making just about anything out of wood. Chet also was a private contractor and enjoyed remodeling homes. He served on many boards; most notable he was a Past President of the Conneaut School Board, also a founding member of the CLYO program at Skippon Park and on the Conneaut Drug Rehabilitation Board that he helped start. He has a ball field named “Chet Arcaro Field” at CLYO that the high school baseball team currently plays on for home games. He was an animal lover and known for his homemade wines and sausage.
Chet is survived by his wife, Celestine (Sis) Berarducci Arcaro whom he married, Sept. 4, 1949, in Erie, Pa.; five sons, Chester Jr. of Conneaut, Gregory J. Arcaro of Chillicothe, Ohio, Jon and Karen Arcaro of Conneaut, Larry and Karen Arcaro of Ashtabula and Patrick Arcaro of Conneaut; three daughters, Debbie and Paul Slupski of Erie, Pa., Lisa and Bill Poff of Conneaut and Becky Arcaro and Bob Frazzee Jr. of Geneva; 12 grandchildren, Chet III, Sadi, Sarah, Brandon, Jessica, Zach, Brooke, Macie, Lauren, Matthew, Cristy and Kaity; seven great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, “Allie.”
Chet was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Anthony Arcaro; and two sisters, Carmella Lariccia and Mary Jane Smith.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 31st, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, with Fr. John Summers and Fr. Philip Miller concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
Calling Hours will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30th, at RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made in Chet’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Obituary and condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.
