Thomas Arana Md

Dr. Thomas Arana, born on November 16, 1929, in Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at his assisted living residence in Leeds, Massachusetts. He was 96 years old and was the last surviving member of a family of nine children.  For 67 years he was the cherished husband to the late Helen A. (Jette) who passed away in 2021. His memory will forever be honored by his three daughters: Susan (Bill) Furdon, Margot (Jim) Shinnick, and Denise (Stephen) Bongiorno. In addition, he was survived by six grandchildren: Laura (Wes) Miller, Kristin (Joe) Nicastro, Tom (Jennifer) Bongiorno, Alyssa (David) Weingarten, Julianna Shinnick, Daniel Shinnick (fiancée Danielle Williamson) and he had the good fortune of eight great-grandchildren; Kaden and Quinn Miller, Tessa, JJ and Carolina Nicastro, Jeremy and Lucy Bongiorno, and Hadlee Weingarten.  Dr. Arana completed his undergraduate education at the University of Arizona in 1951 before earning his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1955. He proudly served in the US Navy at the San Diego Naval Hospital, aboard the USS Boxer & at the hospital in Newport, RI. He resigned his commission as Commander MC, USN in 1966. Throughout his distinguished career, he specialized in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett, Massachusetts for 28 years. Since his retirement, he has enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with his family. His true legacy was his love of family, his generous nature, and the value of education which he passed down to future generations. Dr. Arana relocated to Loomis Village in South Hadley, where he served as President of the Loomis Village Residents Association for two years.  He spent the last year and a half of his life at Linda Manor, where he continued to inspire those around him with his kindness. There will be a celebration of his life and Funeral Mass on February 13th at 10:30am at St. Patrick's Church 30 Main St. South Hadley. For those unable to attend Thomas's service the Mass is being live-streamed.A private burial will take place at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations are payable to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine & can be mailed to Beers & Story Funeral Home (646 Newton St. South Hadley MA 01075)