Obituary: Robert Michael Arena

Robert Michael Arena

KENNEBUNK – Robert Michael Arena, known in his youth as “Bobby” and to friends as Bob and to his seven grandchildren as “Bob Bob,” passed away on Oct. 31, 2026, at the age of 85. A devoted husband, proud father, beloved grandfather, and longtime coach, Bob’s greatest joy was the family he and his wife, Carole, built together over 62 years of marriage.

At the center of Bob’s life was his beloved Carole. They met in high school and soon became best friends until he built up the nerve to ask her on a date to a drive-in movie. That was the beginning of a love story and partnership defined by 62 years of marriage, shared adventures, hard work, and a family they cherished. They were advocates for each other but Bob’s favorite thing to do was to shower Carole with love. Even in his last days, he would express to her how pretty she was and enjoyed every kiss.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 8, 1941, to Mary and Michael Arena, Bob grew up in a classic Worcester triple-decker, with aunts and uncles in the other apartments. It was a childhood surrounded by family, a closeness he carried into his own life as a husband and father.

A standout baseball player from an early age, Bob attended St. Stephen’s School, where he helped his team win the 1958 Massachusetts High School Baseball State Championship. He and three classmates went on to attend the College of the Holy Cross on baseball scholarships, helping lead the team to NCAA College World Series appearances in 1962 and 1963.

After graduating from Holy Cross, Bob entered the United States Army. His military service took him to Fort Dix for basic training and Fort Benning for Officer Candidate School before marrying his high school sweetheart, Carole Perrone. He then moved to Fort Holabird and then to the U.S. Fifth Army, Fort Leavenworth in Kansas City, MO. Serving in Army intelligence, he became the youngest captain in the Fifth Army before beginning a civilian career in human resources with Sprague Electric. Bob was deeply proud of his service to the United States of America. Throughout his life, he considered being a veteran and having represented his country among his greatest honors.

Bob and Carole welcomed their three sons along the way: Michael in Missouri, Robert in Massachusetts, and Christopher in Maine. In 1969, the family settled in Kennebunk Beach, Maine where Bob continued his work with Sprague and became an active member of the community where he served as president of the athletic boosters and the Beach Association.

Bob loved being the father of “my three sons”—so much so that he gave his boat that very name. He coached their sports teams, cheered at their games, watched them perform in the band, and took immense pride in seeing them have successful careers and become fathers themselves. Wherever he went, he found an opportunity to brag about his boys. His love of coaching extended beyond his own family, and he influenced the lives of countless young athletes through the years.

In 1984, Bob and Carole purchased The Ocean View and together made it “the closest you’ll find to a bed on the beach”. Bob retired from corporate life in 1994 to devote his time to the inn as its handyman and “assistant breakfast chef,” working alongside Carole and welcoming guests from near and far with their incredible hospitality. After selling the inn in 2005, they spent three years managing The Cottages at Cabot Cove.

Together, Bob and Carole traveled the world, returning year after year to their home away from home, St. Barths. An avid golfer who belonged to Old Marsh Country Club in his later years, Bob also enjoyed winters in Tucson, Arizona, where he and Carole built a wonderful circle of friends, and cherished the sunsets from the back porch of their home. Their return to Maine each year came with a favorite tradition: a seat at the bar at Alisson’s for clam chowder and a lobster roll.

To his grandchildren, Bob Bob was a source of games, jokes, and counsel on life. He adored Abigail, Andrew, Timothy, Matthew, CJ, Daniel, and Toni, and they adored him in return.

Bob was an avid fan of the Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots and especially loved watching the Patriots with Carole and their dear friend Micheline Beaulieu.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carole (Perrone) Arena; his three sons and daughters-in-laws, Michael Christopher Arena and his wife, Dianna; Robert Michael Arena, Jr. and his wife, Laura; Christopher Perrone Arena and his wife, Susan; his younger sister, Karen Johnson; his special niece Kristen and his other nieces and nephews including: Deborah, Richard and Donald Jr. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, and his younger brother Kenny.

The Arena family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Avita of Wells and Gentiva (Hospice) for their care and support over the past nine months. Their love for Bob was invaluable during his journey.

Visitation will be held November 4th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. Kennebunk, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am at St Martha’s Church, 30 Portland Road, Kennebunk, Maine.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Bob’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to:

A Place to Start (https://www.aplace2start.com/donate). This organization helps families identify dementia and guide them through the journey

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