Retired Natick Chief John Arena Dies At 97

NATICK, MA — Retired Natick police chief John Arena has passed away at age 97, his family announced over the weekend. Arena died on Friday after battling an illness.

Arena was born in 1922 and went on to graduate from Natick High School in 1942. Shortly after, he went to fight in World War II. During a 10-month tour, he fought in a tank unit across Europe. Arena's four brothers — Anthony, Frank, Joseph, and Salvatore — also fought in the war.

In 2009, the intersection near their childhood home at Cottage and Farwell streets was renamed Arena Square in honor of their service. A sixth brother, James, served in the Korean War.

Arena joined Natick police in 1948, and was promoted from patrolman to sergeant to lieutenant — and finally to Natick chief in 1973. No one else in the department has ever served in all those roles. Arena retired in 1987.

"You were the only one of our members throughout the history of the Natick Police Department, to have served as a patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant and then chief," Natick police wrote in a Facebook post. "You set a standard that is hard to live up to, but we will continue to try to honor your legacy of service and commitment."

Arena's family will not have a public service due to the coronavirus outbreak. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Patrick Church, 44 East Central St., Natick.