BANGOR and WALLINGFORD, Conn. – Loretta Frances (DeBaise) Arp, 89, died peacefully June 17, 2012, with her husband by her side, after a brave struggle with myelodysplastic syndromes – MDS. Loretta, born in Wallingford, Conn., was the youngest of the three children of Nicholas and Jenny (Dighello) DeBaise, originally from Naples, Italy. Both of her parents arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island, N.Y.
She graduated summa cum laude from Lyman Hall High School, Wallingford, Conn., and attended St. Raphael Hospital’s nursing school until she married her beloved husband, “Bill” Ford W. Arp. She worked for many years in Wallingford Dime Savings Bank, as treasurer of Choate School, and was elected treasurer for the city of Wallingford. She loved music, reading and interior decorating. In 1958, she started her own retail store, Junior Miss Fashions, and sold it after 20 years in business.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 68 years, Ford William Arp, currently of Bangor, formerly of Rockwood, Tenn.; her only daughter, Sheila Jayne Pechinski of Bangor; grandson, Matthew Pechinski and wife, Brooke, and three great-grandsons, Baxter, Hunter and Mason, all of Falmouth; grandson, Jason Pechinski and wife, Linda, of Boston; granddaughter, Marie Karen Tringali of Revere, Mass.; and grandson, Michael Pechinski of Bangor. She also leaves a dear nephew, Nicholas Walker; lifelong, childhood friend, Stella Fiora; special cousin, June; and dear friend, Edie. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Marie Walker; brother, Matthew DeBaise; and son-in-law, Dr. Joseph Pechinski.
Funeral services will be held at a later date at The Wallingford Funeral Home and Holy Trinity Church, Wallingford, Conn. For those who wish to remember Loretta in a special way, contributions to St. Joseph Hospital’s Influsion Clinic, 360 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401 would be appreciated. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.