Francis "Frank" Joseph Arena Francis J. "Frank" Arena, 90, Retired Brockton Police Officer, former Marine and WWII Veteran passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband for 66 years of Laura R. (Gillis) Arena of Taunton. Born in Brockton on May 19, 1923 he was the son of the late Saverio and Marianne (Celia) Arena. He was a longtime resident of Brockton, having moved to Taunton several years ago. For many years Mr. Mrs. Arena spent the winters at their Fort Lauderdale condominium in Florida. Having left Brockton, Frank always considered it home. Mr. Arena was a detective assigned to the identification section (now known as CSI) bureau of criminal investigation. Prior to this assignment Frank was a beat, cruiser and desk officer. Frank was a graduate of Brockton High School; he also attended Stonehill College and Massasoit Community College, enrolled in the criminal justice program. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp where he received boot training at Paris Island, South Carolina. From boot camp it was on to San Diego, CA then to the Pacific theatre. Mr. Arena was a corporal assigned to "A" Co. 1st Battalion 7th Regiment 1st Marine Division, as a squad leader he earned three battle stars for various campaigns, the last being Okinawa. The Division was preparing to invade Japan when the war ended. Frank was a lifetime member of the Italian War Veterans Post #62 Brockton, having served as Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander and Commander. Lifetime member of the Disabled American War Veterans Post 76 Brockton, Massachusetts Police Association, Brockton Police Relief Association, Mass. Retired Police Firefighters Association, Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association. Frank was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins and enjoyed all sporting activities, as well as playing golf and ballroom dancing. He was a communicant of the former St. Margaret's Church in Brockton. In addition to his wife, Mr. Arena is survived by three sons; Michael of East Providence, RI and daughter in law, Leslie, Steven of West Bridgewater and daughter in law, Elizabeth, Daniel of Whitman and daughter in law, Linda; a daughter, Cheryl and son in law John Wilder of Mansfield; Six grandchildren, Michael, Christopher and Steven Arena of West Bridgewater, Matthew, Casey and Nicholas Wilder of Mansfield and the late Joseph Arena; Brother Sam of Brockton. As well as many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Dominic and Anthony Arena and Angelina Mederios. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held in the Russell Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St., (Rt.123) Brockton on Tuesday at 11:00AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the VA National Cemetery, Bourne, MA at 1:15PM. Calling hours Monday 4-8PM.