PHILLIP A. ARONE

Phillip A. Arone passed quietly into the Hands of Our Lord on March 5, 2023 after a short illness. He was born in Niagara Falls, New York on June 9, 1943. As a result, Phillip was a life-long Yankees fan and collected memorabilia of that team. His faith was his strength and after finishing high school, he attended St Joseph’s Catholic College where he met his wife of 56 years, Nancy. Together they shared Nancy’s battle with Guillen Barre; multiple job changes and the joy of raising two sons: David and Michael.

In 1979 they moved from Michigan to Bakersfield California where they became members of St. Philip The Apostle parish. For years, they taught junior high religious education, touching the lives of many young people. Phillip’s joy of working with preteens extended to his final career as a junior high science teacher for the PBVUSD. He loved teasing and joking with his students and would often wear unmatched socks to drive his students “crazy”. The teasing side of his personality was endearing as was his somewhat “grumpy” side. His large collection of Grumpy shirts from friends and family is proof.

Being fit was another of Phillip’s goals. For many years he rode his bike joining friends like Paul White for long rides. He also enjoyed running so much he trained for and completed a Half Marathon. In later years, he worked out at a local gym.  He also enjoyed world travel. He and Nancy explored many countries on their own, researching and planning the tours themselves. His Italian heritage led him to learn the language and venture back to his family’s home in the “toe” of Italy.

Phillip is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Theresa Arone and his uncle Dominic who shared the family history with him. We can’t help but smile believing he has joined his friends Ed Duquette and Paul White in heaven. He is looking down with love on his wife Nancy, sons David and Michael, his “daughter” Laura Arone, son Eric Martinez, his sister Cindy Tenk as well as his nieces Kristin and Denise Sambor.

The family wishes to thank everyone who supported and helped both Phillip and Nancy, especially over the last month. They wish to recognize the kind and sympathetic nurses on both the 5th and 3rd floors of Adventist hospital. Mass will begin at 10am on March 24, 2023 at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Bakersfield with a memorial reception to follow in Logan Hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity of your choice.