Tributes to chip shop boss Joe Arrighi
Last updated at 11:55, Thursday, 27 October 2011
WHITEHAVEN fish and chip shop owner Joe Arrighi has died aged 86.
Arrighi’s, in the town’s Market Place, was established by Joe’s parents, Guiseppe and Catherine, in 1908.
Joe joined the family business as a boy, working there (except when serving with the Border Regiment during the Second World War) until his retirement aged 70.
Guiseppe had arrived in Whitehaven from Northern Italy and had married Catherine, who came from County Down in Northern Ireland.
Joe said: “It was a lot harder work in those days because we were open from lunchtime until midnight and there were none of the machines and other labour-saving devices we have today. There weren’t even fridges, so we had to buy the fish daily from the quayside.’’
Joe also had long connections with Whitehaven Operatic Society, taking the lead in early shows such as The Gondoliers and Desert Song when they were staged in the town’s Queens Cinema.
On retiring he said: “I have enjoyed my time in business and the friends I have made through it.’’
Joe leaves a wife, Marisa, daughters Carla, Louise and Suzanne, and four grandsons. A Requiem Mass will be held at St Begh’s Church tomorrow (Friday) at 10am followed by cremation at Distington.
Donations, if desired, should be made payable to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
First published at 11:11, Thursday, 27 October 2011
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
I have fond memories of working in Arrighi's as a young girl. Joe will be sadly missed.
Have your say
I worked briefly for two summers at Joes shop,he was a generous,wonderful man,you would struggle to find anyone who had a bad word to say about him,he was the epitome of a family man with a beautiful family..along with his wife and daughters Whitehaven will miss Joseph.
Posted by Graham Carlton on 30 April 2012 at 12:22