It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Adamo "Adam" Arella at the age of 76 on Saturday, July 19, 2025, with his family by his side, following complications from a stroke.
Adam was born on August 6, 1948, in Cleto, Cosenza, Italy, the youngest of eight children born to Pasquale and Maria Arella. On December 24, 1958, alongside his mother and brother Settimo, he immigrated to Canada reuniting with his father and family for a greater life in a new country. On August 10, 1974, he married the love of his life Silvana Cuconato and together they raised their twin daughters, Shirley and Sheila.
Adam’s strong work ethic and determination had him working at a very young age, cleaning the workshop at Rambler Motors after school, then later at Port Arthur Motors and Ron Pero’s Garage. His love for automobiles, lead him to attend trade school in Sault Ste. Marie where he obtained his Red Seal Master Mechanic certification. He continued to work with his mentor and great friend Ron during his training and for several more years honing his craft and becoming well known throughout the city. He later returned to Port Arthur Motors for a few more years, then left to work at Manitoba Pool Grain Elevators (Pool 1 & 3) as an operator. Feeling the pull back to his mechanic roots he took a position with Dominion Motors, while working at the Elevators until he moved to Dominion full-time. In 1990, Adam took his career path in a different direction, alongside his brother Settimo and the support of their families founded Arella Concrete Ltd until his retirement in 2010.
His life was centered around his family, always there to take care, guide and nurture those he cherished most, especially his grandson Ben. You could always find him cooking meals, running errands and visiting family. His kind and generous heart knew no boundaries; he was a great uncle and friend to many. As soon as you met Adam, you knew he was special, he welcomed you with food, drink and always a good joke.
Adam was extremely proud of his Italian culture especially the art of making sausages, soppressata and capocollo; he felt this was an important tradition to share with family and friends and took great pride in helping others make these for their own families. He was a member of the Italian Cultural Centre of Port Arthur and attended many events in his early years.
Adam was an avid gardener, outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, especially watching his favourite hockey team the Ottawa Senators. He also enjoyed meeting many close friends for lunch or having a few laughs at their favourite watering hole. In his retirement, he most enjoyed his time with family and friends at his camping spot at Pine Point Resort on Lac Des Mille Lac. Each year he looked forward to spending as much time as he could there, he found peace fishing out on the lake with his daughter Sheila, nephew Benny Arella, and many friends.
Adam is survived by his wife of 50 years Silvana, daughters Sheila Arella and Shirley (Jarrod) Arella-Crough and grandson Ben Crough. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Maria, Antoniette, Janeece and Rita Arella; brothers-in-law Nick Tropea, Stan (Dana) and Mark (Kerry) Cuconato, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and in Italy.
Predeceased by his parents Pasquale and Maria Arella, brother and sister-in-law Francesco and Carmena Arella (Italy), brothers Guiseppe, Fillippo and sister-in-law Amelia Arella, sister Marta and brother-in-law Saverio Marozzo; brothers Mario, Pietro and Settimo Arella, and father and mother in-law Mario and Lidia Cuconato and sister-in-law Antonietta Tropea, nephews Eugenio and Pasquale Arella, Anthony and Eugene Marozzo.
Our heartfelt thank you to the medical staff of the Stroke Unit at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Hospital Hospice Unit for taking care of Adam. We are profoundly grateful to Benny Arella, Mark Cuconato, and the many family and friends who stood by Adam’s side in the hospital—your unwavering love, support, and presence brought comfort and strength during his most difficult days.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, with Rev. Luigi Filippini officiating. Those who are unable to attend may watch virtually at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OduKDbcHlDg.
Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 23, 2025, in the chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel 21 N. Court Street. Vigil prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Adam’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stoke Foundation or to the Dew Drop Inn.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
