Paul Arca

Devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather

Paul Michael Arca, a longtime resident of Halethorpe, MD passed away peacefully on 8/26/2018. He was 87. He is survived by his wife Lorraina, and fathered 9 children: Vince (Anne), Alan, Justin, Victor (Ginny), Julian, Charmaine (Chris) Bacon, Lorraine (Jon) Goldstein, Adrienne, and Chris Arca. He had 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Fishburn, Carmine, Nick, & Tony Arca; Patrice, Grace, & Katya Arca; Alex & Kyle Bacon; and Tyler & Jake Goldstein. He had four great-grandchildren: Caesar Chaves, and Emma, Alex & Sam Fishburn. He was predeceased by 3 of his sons and his siblings John Arca, Lena Ramsey, Fran Knopp, & Mary Dunn.

Paul was born on November 29, 1930, in Herkimer, NY; the son of the late Emanuel and Domaine Arca who emigrated from Sardinia, Italy. Paul’s Sardinian relatives grew their own vegetables, made their own pasta, and taught all the children to do the same. He married the love of his life, Lorraina Lago from Star Lake, NY on May 12, 1956 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Herkimer, NY and remained married for over 62 years!

Paul was a pilot in the Air Force and Reserves, retiring at the rank of Captain after 17 years. He would have become a commercial pilot, but instead decided that he didn’t want to be away from his lovely wife! He had a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations (Cornell University), and worked for Social Security Administration as a Labor Arbitrator; moving to the Maryland headquarters in early 1966, where he worked resolving labor disputes between employees, unions and administrations.

Paul was active in Boy/Cub Scouts Troop 764 and was Scoutmaster for over 23 years. He was devoted to community service, and taught the boys to do all they can to help others. Paul was an encouraging leader, and became a father figure to many young boys and girls. Paul is also credited as the founder of the Arbutus Soap Box Derby (race held every Fourth of July) back in 1966 when he found plans to build cars, and worked with the scouts to make it a success. The driveway at his house was the site where many fathers were taught how to build their sons & daughters cars for the race.

Paul was very active in the Ascension Catholic church and school; serving as cantor, choir member, and teacher in the RCIA program for new Catholics.

Dad also coached Little League with his sons, and softball with his daughters. Mike’s Pizza sponsored the baseball team and provided free pizzas for the boys after the games if we won; but if we lost, Dad still bought us pizza. Dad also bought the girls snow-cones after every game (win, or lose). As a father, he encouraged a love of music (especially singing), and a winning spirit in all endeavors.

Family and Friends may call at Ambrose Funeral Home 1328 Sulphur Spring Road Arbutus MD 21227; 410-242-2211; www.ambrosefuneralhomes.com on Thursday Aug 30, 2018 from 3-5pm and 6-8pm

The Funeral mass will be on Friday August 31st at 11 am at the Church of the Ascension, 4603 Poplar Ave Halethorpe MD 21227- 410-242-2292

Burial Procession will follow mass to Meadow-Ridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd Elkridge MD 21075 for his committal service with full Military honors;

The Arca family is asking that instead of flowers, you make a lasting tribute to Paul Arca by providing donations to the "Arbutus Soapbox Derby." This is being arranged with the Greater Arbutus Business Association on their website's donation page.

https://arbutus.org/product/donations/

This specific cause is not yet listed there, but it will be added in a few days. Please donate when that cause is listed in the available choices selection box.