Arlene DeChellis

YOUNGSTOWN - Arlene DeChellis, born on August 22, 1939 in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.

She was the beloved daughter of Paul Pasquale and Eda Leopardi Pasquale.

A proud graduate and valedictorian of Struthers High School Class of 1957, she went on to attend Penn Ohio College. On September 6, 1958, she married the love of her life, Attilio DeChellis, with whom she shared many cherished years.

She dedicated her career to public service and the legal community, first working as a legal secretary to Judge Joseph Donofrio, then serving as secretary and administrative assistant to Judge Leo P. Morley in Youngstown Municipal Court for 31 years. Arlene was well respected in the legal community, and she was known to be one of the most efficient, organized, and intelligent secretaries in the community. She later retired from the Mahoning County Probate Court on February 1, 1997.

Arlene was involved in countless organizations in our community. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish in Poland, Ohio. She was also passionate about her Italian heritage and generously gave her time to many community and cultural organizations. She served as president of the Pacentrano Women's Auxiliary and the St. Anthony's Auxiliary ofStruthers, and was a member of the Madonna di Loreto Festival Committee of the Pacentrano Club, totaling almost 50 years of service. She was a trustee and secretary of the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest and secretary of the Italian Heritage Foundation. She also served for many years as treasurer of Mahoning County Chapter 18 of PERI, as well as trustee of the Walnut Grove Condo Association. Additionally, she was a member of the Sulmona Valley Women's Auxiliary.

Her life was also rich with friendships. She found great joy in the Class of 1957 "Lunch Bunch" playing Bunco. She also found great joy in baking and cooking for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

She was preceded in death by her father Paul (June 20, 1991), her mother Eda (May 5, 2005), and her beloved husband Attilio (July 10, 1999).

She is survived by her many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her family was the love of her life, as were the organizations and communities she so faithfully served. Everyone called her "Aunt" or "Zia" which is a testament to her character and love for her family and friends.

Family and friends may pay their respects Wednesday July 23, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.

Prayers will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the funeral home, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at Holy Family Church.

Entombment will follow at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank Briarfield at Ashley Circle and Ohio Living Hospice for their care, compassion, and attentiveness.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ohio Living Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Rd Building E Suite 201, Canfield, OH 44406.