90, born September 11, 1927, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his parents, Bernardo Francisco Arenas Sr. and Jennie Arenas. He is survived by his loving, caring, and compassionate wife, Charlotte Arenas. He also leaves behind his sons, Bernie (Toni), Frank (Yvonne), and John; sister, Olga Arenas Rhoads; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. His faith was extremely important to him and God chose to take him during Holy Week.
As a child, he worked in the family business at Optimo Coffee Mill in West Tampa. Graduated from Jefferson High School and immediately joining the Coast Guard in 1945 during World War II. He then started Gulf Coast Business Machines that was eventually bought out by DANKA Industries. Never one to sit idle. He had The Post Yacht Territory and then started ARCON Construction, which still oversees many multi-family complexes in Tampa today.
Bernie was the person who named the famous street “Damned If I Know” in Boca Grande. He was also one of the early residents of Palm Island, as he thought Boca Grande was too crowded 40 years ago. During his spare time, Bernie could be found boating with family and close friends between Boca Grande and Palm Island. As for dining, which he did often, he was a local morning fixture at La Tropicana coffee shop in Ybor City or the West Tampa Coffee Shop for his morning café con leche. For lunch you could find him at Café Pepe and Valencia Gardens, where he would hold court. According to lifelong friends, Dr. Frank Massari, Dr. Tony Castro and Judge E.J. Salcines, he was the most giving person they knew. He was a parishioner of Christ the King, longtime member of Palma Ceia Country Club and numerous other organizations.
A visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa on Saturday, April 7th from 12:45pm – 1:30pm with funeral Mass to follow at 1:30pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at Palma Ceia Country Club from 3pm-5pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be in Bernie’s name to Lifepath Hospice, Attention, 12470 Telecom Drive #300 West, Temple Terrace, FL 33637 or Salesian Sisters, Attention, Theresa Anderson, 315 West Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
