Anthony John Arini, 78, of Valparaiso formerly of Brook, IN passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 1, 2024. He was born September 22, 1946, in Chicago, IL to Salvatore & Mary (nee Arnone) Arini, graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, received a B.A. from Loyola University, and a Master’s and EDS from Purdue University. Tony began his career as an elementary Principal for South Newton Schools and concluded as Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Lake Central School where he had served for 27 years.
His artistic skills were multi-dimensional, stained glass, drawing, painting, crocheting afghans, and decorating of all kinds became a creative canvas for Tony to exhibit his pallet of perception. A bit of a perfectionist, you could always count on him doing things the right way. His kind nature also shone through in nearly every endeavor in which he was involved. And, we couldn’t paint a complete picture of Tony without including the much anticipated trips to Las Vegas for some well-deserved relaxation.
On April 10, 1971, he married Sandra Vance who survives along with their children: Samuel Arini of Florida, Kenneth Arini (Tracy) of Terre Haute, Mary Mulligan (David) of Chesterton, sister, Linda Mastrodomenico (“Sonny”), and grandchildren: Kenneth, Alexandra, Isabella & Chloe Arini, Taylor & Parker Nelson, and Claire Mulligan.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 13th from 9 – 10 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso with funeral mass beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Agnes Adult Day Care Center, c/o St. Paul Catholic Church or Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, 710 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032 (for Lewy Body Dementia research).
GUESTBOOK
Bless his soul. Hearts are with you all. -Jerry & Susan Johnson
We celebrate you and your life for a job well done. You will be missed by all who ever knew you. Rest in peace my cousin. -Judy and Margie Swicegood
Mr. Arini was one of my favorite teachers. He was my teacher at Goodland elementary. He was a wonderful man and always thought he was such a nice looking guy. My deepest condolences to his family. -Nancy Antcliff Care
Tony was a dear sweet man and we mourn his passing and send love and blessings to his family. -Kathy and Kerry Stichnoth
Oh Sandy, may Tony rest in peace. One of my favorite people, my New Year’s Eve smoking buddy (oh the talks we had). I pray for Tony’s soul and your whole family. -Kitty Cooney
Sam, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. -Keith Williams
Sam, reading about your Dad, I can see he was an awesome dude!! So sorry for you and your family, but know that you will all see him again in Heaven. Love you Brother. -Gerald Stepp
Sending our deepest condolences to the Arini family on your sad loss. Tony was an inspiring and kind man. We enjoyed many happy family gatherings together and Tony always made those enjoyable with his spicy personality. I pray that you all find comfort in the many wonderful memories made with this remarkable man. He will be missed but never forgotten. Love and prayers to all from the -Mulligan and Gackowski families
