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Arthur J. Regan

September 3, 1919 to 21 November 2001

Son of  the late Sara Holmes Regan and the late Frank Regan, Arthur John ("Artie") Regan was born in Brooklyn (NY) on 3 September 1919. He worked from an early age in a grocery store in Brooklyn and then in Newark (NJ) until he joined the Army in 1940, prior to World War II.  Among other battles, he fought to capture Normandy (France). He served with distinction as soldier in an elite combat unit that had a very high casualty rate. He quickly went up the ranks to become a non-commissioned officer and platoon leader. Sergeant Regan was wounded in battle but refused to go home.  He returned to battle and was wounded again and then again for which he was awarded three Purple Heart Medals. Moreover, in recognition of his bravery in battle he was recommended for and received the Bronze Start medal.

Because he was wounded twice, Sgt. Regan returned to the US prior to the end of the war and found an fine job with the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company.

Mr. Regan was the loving husband of the late Teresa Verlessa Ronkowicz. During their joyous 19 years of marriage they traveled widely and delighted in watching their many grandchildren grow up.  Alyson made him proud as she pursued her college education, set up her own apartment, and pursued graduate school.  Megan loved to converse with him.  He would make her laugh when he said "puh-leese" and "am-bu-lance."  After losing Terry in 1997, Mr. Regan continued to stay close with her children and grandchildren.  As he often said, he was the only grandfther they knew.  Mr. Regan attended many of the grandchildren's baeball games, one of his enjoyable pasttimes.

Mr. Regan was an employee of the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company for 38 years. He retired in 1983 as an Equipment Engineer. As a way to staying in touch with his former, fellow telephone company workers, Mr. Regan was active with the Pioneers, a group retired workers who helped build what is today AT&T.

Mr. Regan applied his war experiences and heroics as a volunteer with the Rahway First Aid Squad for 12 years. After daughter Diana was struck by a car when she was nine, Mr. Regan so appreciated the care the First Aid Squad gave her, that he decided to become a part of their organization.  From 1959 to 1971 he provided emergency transportation for victims of car crashes and other emergencies, similar to today's  emergency medical technician professional.

Mr. Regan was a former Post Commander and member of the American Legion Post 102 of Linden (NJ). Artie, also known as the "Silver Fox," was active in the Plainfield Italian-American Club, though he was of Irish descent, much to the delight of his loving wife, the former Teresa Verlessa.

Arthur J. Regan died at 1 PM Monday, November 21, 2001 in Muhlenbug Hospital in North Plainsfield (NJ) following a brief illness. He was able to gather his immediate family around him to say good bye.  He was at peace and ready to make his transition to the next world.

Mr. Regan is survived by daughters Kathleen Regan Figley of Tallahassee (Florida) and Diana Ramsey of Morristown (NJ), son, Arthur J. Regan, Jr. of Lambertville (NJ) and their children Alyson and Megan Ramsey, and step children, Jessica Burns and Laura Figley. He is also survived by the children of his beloved Teresa, Adriann Stewart of Warren (NJ) and Wayne Ronkowicz of Rahway (NJ) and their children, Greg Ronkowicz, Gary Ronkowicz, Gene Ronkowicz, and Kasey Stewart.

Consistent with his last wishes, Mr. Regan's family and many friends will gather together at the Higgins Funeral Home of Watchung (NJ) for the visitation on November 23rd from 2-4 PM and again from 7-9 PM.  Flowers will be provided by Gray's Flowerland & Greenhouse of Watchung (NJ), among other shops. Family and friends are also invited to a funeral mass to be held at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in North Plainfield the next day at 9 AM. A final prayer service will be held immediately thereafter at the Somerset Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Basking Ridge (NJ).  Mr. Regan's ashes will be buried with the remains of his beloved Teresa at a date to be announced.

Mr. Regan lost a wife and several others to cancer. Therefore, in accordance with his wishes, in loving memory donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 600 First Avenue, Raritan, New Jersey.

According to his loving family, Arthur J. Regan lived a full and happy life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, telephone worker, volunteer, and patron. Never afraid to voice his opinion about any matter; always the jokester; always the competitive Backgammon player (just ask his close friend, John); he will be missed and irreplaceable. We are all sure he is in heaven right now saying -- "oh please, get on with your life already and stop reading this crap!"