James Paul Arduengo Jr.

James Paul Arduengo, 84, of Abbeville, SC died Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the Hospice House in Greenwood, SC after a courageous battle with cancer and dementia. He was a native of Tampa, FL and has been a resident of Abbeville since 1986. Mr. Arduengo was the son of the late James and Barbara Fernandez Arduengo. He was a graduate of Jesuit High School in Tampa and was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Abbeville as well as the VFW Post #6087 and the American Legion Post #2. A WWII Navy Veteran, Jim served in the Pacific aboard the USS Springfield. He and his family have a strong love for the United States of America and believe in serving and defending their country, this being continued by five grandsons who have or are serving in the military. Jim worked for 28 years as a stereo typist for the Tampa Tribune. He retired from Balcor Corp., a division of American Express, as a maintenance supervisor. Mr. Arduengo also worked at the Gilgal Convenience Center for several years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Stoltenborg; a granddaughter, Becky Salisburg; and a sister, Rosie Arduengo (Sister James Michael). He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Georgie Scott Arduengo of the home; three daughters, Judy Salamaka and her husband Richard of Hartwick, NY, Susan Freer of Tampa, FL., Nancy Arduengo and her husband Bob Leinahan of Newton, NJ; three sons, Michael Arduengo of Abbeville, Timothy Patrick Arduengo and his wife Rita of Tampa, FL, and Stephen Arduengo and his wife Christine of Gibsonton, FL; two step-daughters, Nancy McGaha and her husband Nelson of Donalds and Julie Strawhorne of Newberry, SC; two stepsons, David Strawhorn and his wife Tisa and Jason Strawhorn all of Abbeville; two sisters, Barbara Gonzalez and Carmen Arduengo (Sister Barbara Rose) both of Tampa, FL; a brother, Thomas Arduengo and his wife Norma of Inverness, FL; twenty-one grandchildren - Paul Buie; Laura Ash; Kelli Maxwell; Mason Moore; Michael, Jason, Brian, Sean, and Peter Hope; DeLeon, Jimmy, Jesse, Tony and Sam Arduengo; Jason Arduengo; Amanda and Allen Arduengo; Rusty, Amanda and Brady Strawhorn; twenty-nine great-grandchildren and his canine companion, Bonnie. Graveside Services with Military honors will be 2:00PM, Thursday, April 16, 2009 in Melrose Cemetery with the Rev. Earl Hartley officiating. The family is at the home. Memorial contributions, in memory of Mr. Arduengo, may be sent to the Ruth S. Pugh Foundation, c/o Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, PO Box 856, Newberry, SC 29108. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the Arduengo family.