James Arite

James Arite passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 at his home in Seboyeta, NM. Born on January 28 of 1933, he was 81. He is preceded in death by his twin sister, Mary Elizabeth; his daughter, Mary Elizabeth; his parents, Giuseppe and Concetta (Allia) Arite; and brothers, Anthony and Samuel Arite. James is survived by his wife of 54 years, Angelina (Gonzales) Arite; sons, Joseph (Lydia) Arite and Daniel (Kim) Arite; daughters, Anita (Leonard) Lujan, and Concetta (Herman) Baca; sisters, Rose Arite, Catherine Orite, and Mary (Cosimo) Figliomeni; sisters-in-law, Rita Arite, Piva (Jose) Ornelas, Irene Gonzales, Anita (Larry) Boyer; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Daroline) Gonzales, Raymond (Jenny), Herman (Rosalie) Gonzales, Rudy (Matti) Gonzales; his beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Lily and Allia Arite, Giovanni and Katina Baca, Allyna and Allyse Judah; his blessed great-grandson and namesake, James Mateo Martin; as well 27 nieces and nephews; seven godchildren, and many others whom he loved. James Arite will be remembered as a gentle man who often let his silence speak for him. What he did say was always full of wit, wisdom, and love. James could often be found enjoying life's simple things; a good meal, daily mass, or spending time with his family though often all three came together to be enjoyed as one. He was completely devoted to his family and his Catholic faith. He was extremely proud of his Italian-American heritage, and also highly patriotic. He had a lifelong enjoyment of baseball, so as a young boy he and his brother were bat boys and scorekeepers for the Toledo Mud Hens beginning at Swayne Field in Toledo. On television and the radio, he often cheered for them and his Detroit Tigers though in later life found as much enjoyment in the Albuquerque Isotopes and the Colorado Rockies. He held a deep love of learning which he instilled and encouraged in all his children and grandchildren. He continued this love all of his life; doing crossword puzzles to continue learning new facts and words. He attended St. Ann Elementary, Central Catholic High School in Toledo, OH, and graduated from University of Toledo with a bachelor's degree in history. In 1955 he entered the Navy and spent his time on the USS Lexington. Later he worked as an accountant for Homestake Mining Company. He spent much of his early retirement traveling with his wife. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a favorite Catholic Charity, St Pius High School in Albuquerque, or the American Heart Association. Rosary will be recited Thursday, March 20, 2014, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Friends may visit beginning at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 21, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd. NE. Interment will take place Saturday, March 22, 2014, 9:30 a.m., at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400