Harry C. Arena, born Feb. 29, 1948, of Rockland, passed away on January 30th at Brockton Hospital at the age of 65. Harry was born at home and lived there his entire life. He was the son of the late Joseph H. and Mary C. (Balonis) Arena.

As a child, Harry contracted polio. He spent many years in and out of the hospital, where he was treated in an iron lung and later wore a full body cast and back brace. He was poster boy for the March of Dimes. In his teen years, he developed a love of the outdoors and he became an avid sportsman. He loved to hunt and had a passion for fishing. He was active in sports including baseball, basketball (he had a mean hook shot!), ice skating, sledding and candlepin bowling, to name a few. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and card games, where he achieved the elusive 29 hand in cribbage.

Harry graduated Rockland High School Class of 1969. He followed many family members into the shoe industry. He was employed by E. T. Wright Shoe Company of Rockland for 25 years and had a brief stay with Leo MacIver Company in Brockton. Later, he worked for George Knight Company of Brockton as a machinist. Throughout his employment, Harry developed lasting friendships with his co-workers.

Harry shared a special bond with many of his neighbors and enjoyed watching their families grow over the years. He had a unique ability to make or repair items to suit unusual circumstances. If you needed something built, Harry was the man. He was always in his shop in the garage putting things together.

Besides his woodworking talents, Harry enjoyed working around the yard on his tractor. He maintained the flower gardens, raised vegetables, grew apple trees and raised chickens and turkeys. Harry never married, but he was always surrounded by family. He cherished his time with many nieces and nephew. "Uncle Harry" was central to many of the family picnics, outings, reunions and parties. He loved to cook and was usually seen handling the grille.

Harry always had a pole ready for anyone who wanted to go fishing with him. He spent many years taking family and friends out on his boat at Bayside Marina in Duxbury. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Joseph H. Arena, Jr and his wife Madeline (Silverstrino) of Brockton and his brother-in-law Paul Murray, formerly of Abington.

He is survived by two aunts, Josephine Driscoll and Susan Arena, both of Rockland and five siblings. James E. Arena, Sr and his wife Sandra (Moretti) of Hanson, Karen M. Arena-Murray-Davis and her husband Carl of Lampasas, Texas, Robert Arena, Sr and his wife Bonnie (Taylor) of Hanson, Paul L. Arena and his wife Kareen (Tilden) of Rockland, and Peter R. Arena, Sr and his wife Debby (Taylor) of Rockland. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate his life on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St. Rockland from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday February 5th Burial will follow the service in Holy Family Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to the March of Dimes 258 Main St, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. www.marchofdimes.com.