Joseph Larner, Former Bell Labs and Lucent Employee, Dies at 86

Joseph Larner Arata, 86, of Rolla, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013.

Born Sept. 23, 1926, to Joseph A. Arata and Anna C. in Atlantic City, N.J., Joseph was a 1944 graduate of Atlantic City High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the V-12 program during World War II, through which he attended Brown University and the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea as an infantryman with the 1st Cavalry Division.

Prior to his retirement in 1984, Joe worked for New Jersey Bell, Bell Labs and Lucent Technologies. He resided in Colts Neck, N.J., since 1971, and most recently lived in Rolla, Mo.

A longtime volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, Joe was a Vigil Honor member of the Na Tsi Hi Order of the Arrow Lodge, a holder of the Silver Beaver, the District Award of Merit, and the St. George and Bronze Pelican religious awards.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Kathleen. Surviving are his son, John, and his wife, Lisa, of Rolla, Mo.; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in Louisville, Ky. 

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, Feb. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main St., Freehold, N.J.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Historic Church, Marlboro, N.J. Entombment will follow at the parish cemetery. Please visit at www.freemanfuneralhomes.com, where you may make a donation, access directions and leave condolences.