Gladys L. Arpino (1939-2026)
Gladys L. Arpino, 86, passed away peacefully in hospice care on April 12, 2026, at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Berkeley Heights. Gladys, a forty-nine year Westfield resident, moved to Westfield in 1976 from Chicago with her husband Gene, and their daughters Jeanne and Jennifer. Gladys was predeceased by Gene in 2002 and is survived by Jeanne (Chisolm) and Jennifer (Mathews).
Throughout her time in Westfield, Gladys led an active social life with friends and neighbors and was well known for her sharp wit and humor. She joined Westfield Newcomers in 1976 and made lasting friendships, many of which continued until her death. She was an active player in her bridge group for many years, and she and Gene were tennis playing doubles partners. Gladys was involved in planning and hosting numerous parties marking special birthdays and anniversaries as well as bridge club activities.
Gladys was trained as a bookkeeper and worked at Central Jersey Bank in Westfield as a teller for many years while making long-lasting friendships with her co-workers there. Following her work in banking, Gladys continued to use her sharp financial skills as a bookkeeper for several other local businesses.
Gladys was blessed to be surrounded by her community of friends and neighbors on Embree Crescent, especially in her later years. Gladys could often be found walking her beloved companion dogs (Prudence, then Morgan, and lastly Addy) in the Embree Crescent neighborhood and stopping to talk with neighbors along the way. Her neighbors actively and cheerfully cared for her and generously assisted her in home maintenance, repair, snow clearing, and other household tasks. If there was ever an emergency (e.g. a power outage, heavy snowfall, or health issue) Gladys’ neighbors could be counted on to be on the scene quickly offering help and prayers. The Westfield Rescue Squad also should be commended for their numerous timely responses and interactions on Gladys’ behalf.
Gladys will be laid to rest following a simple graveside ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield at noon on Friday, May 15, 2026. Guests are kindly asked to first gather at the office, where staff will direct them to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Westfield Rescue Squad.
