Westport native and longtime, well-respected Parks & Recreation Department employee Joseph “Joey” Arciola died peacefully on February 14. He was 52 years old.
Joey came from a long line of family members who served the town of Westport, as Public Works employees, police officers, firefighters and teachers.
Joey was retired from Parks & Rec, where he started his career as dock master at the age of 19. He worked his way to foreman for the department.
Joey Arciola
Joey was an avid sailor, hiker and camper. He loved Cockenoe Island. He was a passionate sports fan who never missed a Yankees, New York Rangers or Dallas Cowboys game.
His family says: “Joey devoted himself to his friends and family with unwavering commitment, love and loyalty. Throughout his life, he prided himself on making everyone around him a better person as well.”
Joey is survived by his parents, Sam Arciola Jr. and Jo Ann (Austin) Arciola, brother Sam Arciola III (Kelly), nephews Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola whom he adored and treasured, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joey’s memory to Save the Sound.
Friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial this Friday (February 24, 10 a.m., Assumption Church).
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Longtime friend Andrew Colabella adds a tribute to Joey. He writes:
Joey Arciola lived and loved like every day was his last day fearlessly. He was a man who lived life to the fullest.
Today, Joey would have been 53. Six days ago, Joey left the earth, after making an imprint on thousands of lives.
Joey grew up in Westport, with his wonderful brother Sam. His hardworking parents, Samuel and Joanne, who still live in the same house today, still happily married. They followed in the same footsteps as their father, serving Westport.
Their father worked at the sewage treatment plant. Sam recently retired from the Westport Police Department, with over 30 years of service. Joey started working for the town on the docks and marinas, eventually making his way to the Parks & Recreation maintanence division as a laborer.
Joey spent the next 20-plus years in that department shape the town’s athletic and recreational fields. His work partner was Joey Saviano (click here),
The 2 Joes could be seen riding around in Truck 100, a blue single cab long bed, checking on all their hard work. Joey was easy to spot, always in cargo shorts, sneakers, a Yankees ball cap with perfectly trimmed short hair, walking fast on the ball of his feet.
He never stopped moving, except to stop at Junior’s Hot Dog Stand. He’d sit at the counter having lunch with the other Westport local legends and celebrities. His cousin Jeff was behind the counter.
In 8 hours his crew of guys had the lines stripped, grass rolled and cut, PH soil levels balanced, sprinklers timed, baseball fields ready, beach raked, trash picked up, guardrails weed whacked, and equipment ready to go. It all fell under Joey.
The town was ready to go, for all to enjoy. His style of management was sincere, yet tough. He expected the work that day to be done. But if variables beyond our control prevented completion, Joey would either show up to pitch in and help, never afraid but excited to teach, or call before it was started so that no one’s time was wasted. Joey was resourceful, fast thinking and organized.
Joey was elected president of his union, AFSCME 1303-194. He fearlessly went head to head with any and all for fair wages, incentives, protecting pensions and benefits for his employees. Joey knew the value of his talented workers and colleagues, and how much family meant to him.
Joey Arciola, enjoying Cockenoe Island. (Photo courtesy of Linda Gilleran)
Joey had no kids, but was there every step of the way from the birth of his nephews Samuel and Dominic. Those independent and successful bright boys both graduated from Staples, and went on to the University of Alabama.
Joey’s extended family members all too were influenced by his strong determination to give all and be all. Hard work, dedication and loyalty runs in all their blood.
If he had not employed me in his department for 9 years seasonally as I juggled school full time, I am not sure where I would be today. Joey gave me a chance. He gave me life, an education, knowledge, strength, determination, laughter (a lot), honesty and integrity. But he was also a boss at the same time. Respect was given and returned.
So whether you are an Arciola or a Meier, a child or adult who played on any of our athletic and recreational fields in town, or visited the Saugatuck restaurants and bars, or if you were lucky enough to go to a Yankees game with Joey, his impact is eternal.
So as I write this, knowing I unfortunately will not see Joey tomorrow, or every other tomorrow for the remainder of my existence, the ripples of his fingerprint on earth in this town will remain for decades to come.
Joey was an extraordinary human, through and through. He made a huge impact on the lives of our two kiddos who deeply treasured him. Joey will remain a force in our hearts and will hold a cherished spot in our memories forever.
So heartbroken when I heard about this the other day. They are a great long term Westport family and I cannot imagine how Sammy and his parents are dealing with this. I am so sorry for their loss, and will be praying for the family at this very difficult time.
What a loss. Joey is like a member of the family having been a roommate of our son Kevin for more years than I can remember. What I do remember is all the wonderful time we had together. RIP Joey!
Thank you to my RTM colleague Andy Colebella for your wonderful words about Joey. Joey shined a light on everyone he came in contact with. Always a smile and a “hey Jimmy kid, how’s mom and dad? How are your sisters doing?”
With Joey, it was always sincerity and honesty. Joey a Westport native, part of our close knit group of Saugatuck and Westport Italian families. Our grandparents, and parents all grew up together, maintained friendships and a shared love of Saugatuck and Westport. All of us “next generation” family.
As a member of our amazing Parks and Recreational Department, Joey worked tirelessly with his co-workers to keep our recreational facilities top notch. You know why? He lived here and he cared. He cared that all the residents new and old enjoyed the amenities that were afforded all of us growing up.
Being a Giant fan and Joey being a Cowboy fan – the fun never ended regardless of who won those games.
I was talking with RTM colleague Sal Liccone, a very close friend of Joey’s and said it best “once you were a friend of Joey’s you were a friend for life.”
Hearts and prayers with all of the Arciola Family…know your Saugatuck and Westport family is with all of you.
Happy birthday Joey you’re a brother I never forget you you will be missed a lot I will miss you and lot others thanks for all you did on this earth love sal. To Jo Ann and Sam and Sam and Kelly and boys and Jeff and everyone I will always remember the good times with you all there will be more
May he Rest in Peace. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My heartfelt condolences to Joeys entire family, he was a loving and so loved son, he was a loyal and supportive brother, and he was so incredibly proud of his nephews, whom he absolutely adored, also to Sal who counted Joey as his brother and to all his amazing and long time friends.
I met Joey in 2018/2019 right before covid. His great friend Sal introduced us. Sal couldn’t wait for me to meet Joey.
So while I am not counting myself in his “old friends” group,
he left a profound and everlasting mark on me, as it sounds from other lovely tributes, he did with everyone, whose lives he touched.
He was smart, quick witted, very funny and a pleasure to hang out with.
Joey was warm and interesting. And so many Westport stories he had to tell.
It’s truly breathtaking to know we won’t have him in our lives anymore.
Joey made time for everyone.He left us all feeling better about ourselves and about life.
We will truly miss you JoJo, and never forget you.
Happy Birthday.
Save us all a seat up there. A sure thing, One by one we will all be joining you.
Farewell my friend and rest easy.
much love,
Ciara❤️
Thanks Andy, you nailed this tribute perfectly. Numerous people reached out to me today to express just that. The greater Saugatuck area lost a really good one. My condolences to the Arciola clan. RIP Joey..
Always a friendly face with encouraging words and as genuine as they come. Rest in Peace Joey.
Impossible not to love Joey. Deeply saddened by this news. I will miss your energy and your smile.
We send our heartfelt condolences
Saddened to hear this. Joey and Sam are such a big part of my fond memories of growing up in Westport. He will always remain quintessential Westport to me.