Southbridge: Nickolas P. Arena, Sr., 80, of Temple Dr., passed away on Wednesday, April 5 ^th , in the Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, West Brookfield, after a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Lucille O. (Brun) Arena; his two sons, Nickolas P. Arena, Jr. of Southbridge and Kevin L. Arena and his wife Elaine of Sturbridge; his daughter, Sandra J. St. Laurent and her husband Chad of Sturbridge; his brothers, Jim Arena and Joe Arena both of Florida; his three sisters, Gracie Rooney of Natick, Rose Clasby of Foxborough and Mary Vallerand of Waltham; his five grandchildren, Brittany Arena, Emily Arena, Christie Arena, Abby Arena and Chad St. Laurent, Jr.; his two great grandchildren, Hayden Blackburn and Jayce Blackburn; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Russ Arena, John Arena, Pat Arena, Tony Arena and Albert Arena.  Nickolas was born in Waltham the son of the late Giovanni and Jennie (Inferrera) Arena.  He was a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War era.

Nickolas worked at Raytheon in Waltham for 25 years, retiring many years ago.  He raised Homing Pigeons and belonged to the CMC Club, a Homing Pigeon club in Chicopee.  He enjoyed going to the racetrack and to the casino with the love of his life Lucille.  He also enjoyed playing Bridge and woodworking.  In his younger years he enjoyed bowling, playing hockey and was a softball pitcher.  Nickolas also coached Little League Baseball in Waltham.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 13 ^th , at 11:00am in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, April 12 ^th , from 6:00 to 8:00.