Following is the obituary for JOSEPH EDWARD ARCIOLA, submitted for the family by the Harding Funeral Home.
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Joseph “Joey” Edward Arciola, 52, of Westport, passed away peacefully Feb. 14, 2023.
Joey was retired from Westport’s Parks and Recreation Department, where he started his career as dock master at the age of 19. He then worked his way to foreman for Parks and Recreation.
He comes from a long line of family service to the Town of Westport — public works, police, fire and teachers.
Joey was an avid sailor, hiker and camper. Cockenoe Island was where he loved to be. He was a passionate sports fan. He never missed a Yankees, New York Rangers or Cowboys game.
Joey devoted himself to his friends and family with unwavering commitment, love and loyalty. Throughout his life, he prided himself on making everyone around him a better person as well.
Joey is survived by his loving parents, Sam Arciola Jr. and Jo Ann (Austin) Arciola; brother, Sam Arciola III; sister-in-law, Kelly Arciola; nephews, Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola, whom he adored and treasured, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joey’s memory to Save the Sound, 900 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m., at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave.
Joey Arciola, my amazing, funny, humble, smart friend. An example to so many of us in Westport of what it takes to be real, and to be selfless.
I’d like to start by extending heartfelt condolences to your mom and dad, who loved you as much as you loved them.
As a brother you were loyal to a fault and supportive.
As an uncle, you could not have been prouder of or loved your nephews more.
This love clearly went both ways and your kindness and generous spirit reaped the reward of huge love from your family and your huge circle of long long time friends who absolutely loved, admired and respected you.
As a friend and mentor, you have left a huge hole and shoes that I’m pretty sure will never ever be filled.
You were a beautiful man.
You always put everyone else before you.
You made sure everyone else in the room was ok.
That’s how I will remember you. Putting yourself second yet being happy you were doing good.
I met you through Sal who regarded you as a brother.
In fact I heard so much about the Arciolas from Sal, I asked him one day a few years ago, Are they your siblings.. and Sal responded , no they are my cousins, kind of.. I asked him” like are you related”, and he said well no but yes…
I’m so sorry for your loss also Sal, I know what Joey meant to you. I know how close you both were and how he’d have done anything for you and vice versa.
And thank you for introducing us.
Joey, it will not be long, there will be a line of us, all looking for a seat beside you up there. It is only a matter of time.
Scope it out for us.
Farewell,
We will never forget you.
So much love
Ciara