BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP Donald Virgil Arrison, 76, died Friday at Compassionate Care Hospice in Trenton, with his family by his side.
Born on Aug. 23, 1931, in Trenton, he was a lifelong area resident.
He served as a corporal for the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a district representative of the Mid-Atlantic States for Ford Motor Co. for 30 years. Also during this time, he was co-owner of Service Parts and Supply Co. in Trenton. In later years, he and his wife became part owners of the East Windsor Sports Barn.
He will be remembered as a handyman and gifted storyteller. Even up until his last days, he was notorious for his warm personality and unselfish ways. He loved his grandchildren dearly, and played an active role as mentor in their upbringing. He had a keen interest in antique cars, and owned and treasured a 1955 Studebaker Commander. He had a compassion for all animals, above all his own cats and his special canine friends Sergie, Sandis and Sofia.
Son of the late William Barlet and Ada Ethel Snedeker Arrison, he was predeceased by five sisters, three brothers, and his daughter-in-law, Barbara Sipos Arrison. He leaves to share his memories with his wife of 53 years, Joan A. Hornyak Arrison, two sons, Donald G. Arrison of Hamilton, and his fiancée, Sunny Tark, Steven A. Arrison of Point Pleasant Beach; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice L. and John W. Wilson of Hamilton; four grandchildren, Stacy Arrison and her fiancée Kenneth Mongold, Stephanie Arrison, Cameron Wilson, Schuyler Wilson; a sister-in-law, Gail Bitler; a brother-in-law and his wife, Steven and Bettee Hornyak; a special niece, Krista Bitler, and several other nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Specialty Center of Lady of Lourdes, especially Daniel, who helped brighten his days. The funeral was Tuesday, followed by interment in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, NJ 07724 or to The American Cancer Society, 3076 Princeton Pike, Lawerenceville, NJ 08648.
