Stephen Sr. Arbes

Stephen Arbes, Sr., 96 passed away peacefully on Tues, Jan 6, 2015. He was born to the late James and Fotina Arbes in Elizabeth, NJ, and at an early age moved to Westfield, NJ where he resided until moving to De Pere, WI in 1990. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Fond Du Lac, WI. He was a graduate of Westfield High School and New York University where he received a degree in accounting. As a CPA he soon became Chief Cost Accountant with Burry Biscuit Co. in Elizabeth, NJ. Among his many talents he was first violinist with the Jersey City Symphony Orchestra, and in the 50s had his own musical group. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and close friends. He was a highly rated chess master, enjoying playing as well as teaching. WWII interrupted his career, but before leaving for North Africa and Italy with the 5th Army he married his childhood sweetheart, Rose (Pasquarella) of Westfield, NJ. Returning home from the war in 1945, he and Rose started a CPA firm. In 1962, they bought Helen Elliott Candy Company which they soon expanded. He and Rose retired while still young and were able to enjoy life to its fullest. Stephen loved boating and was a very active member and later commander of the Watchung Power Squadron as well as a member of the Green Bay Power Squadron. They spent many hours boating in the Atlantic and in all the wonderful waters off NJ and NY. Rose and Steve traveled extensively in Europe and visited every State in the US. In 2010, Stephen was made an honorary member of the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin, an honor he was very proud of. He enjoyed participating in the Memorial Day Parades in De Pere as well as Appleton’s Flag Day parades. He is survived by his wife, Rose (Pasquarella), Green Bay; son, Dr. Stephen Arbes (Debra), Green Bay; 7 grandchildren, Karinne (Jeff) Overton, Kendall, WI, Jason (Leah) Arbes, De Pere, Nicole Arbes, Green Bay, Shawn (Michelle) Boknevitz, Franksville WI, Lynsie (Carl) Franzene, Menomonee Falls, Jamie Arbes, Wesfield, NJ, James Arbes, Westfield, NJ; 9 Great-grandsons, Trevor, Caleb, Mason, Jameson, Eli, Jase, Lincoln, Brayden and Brody. Steve was preceded in death by his son, James Stephen; brothers, Sam and Spiro and a sister, Helen. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 10am to 11am. A memorial service will be at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. Peter Pappademetriou officiating. Full Military Honors will follow led by the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Wyndemere Estates who lovingly cared for Steve during his long stay there. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be sent to the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin, 1253 Scheuring Rd, De Pere, WI, 54115.