SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Howard Paul Arata, 92, of Savannah, and formerly of Tybee Island, widower of Virginia Ruth Smith Arata, died Tuesday morning, November 23, 2010, at River’s Edge.

Howard was born April 13, 1918, in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his eldest son, Howard, Jr.

The Great Depression of ’29 required him to develop work habits at an early age, first selling his mother’s home baked goods and doughnuts door to door to help sustain the family. A diverse work experience followed until 1941, when employed by Family Finance Corp and a career of 36 years in management and supervision. Mr. Arata then spent 14 years in banking with Trust Company, now Sun Trust Bank, retiring in December, 1992.

Mr. Arata was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Navy (Nov. 1943 – Jan. 1946) at Naval Supply Depot, Guam. His memoirs reflect several letters of commendation for his performance and work ethic. Mr. Arata was able to attend Savannah’s World War II Memorial dedication on November 7, 2010.

Surviving are his children, Mickey (Eddie) Johnson, Elizabeth Faris, Melissa (Ben) Wells, Tony (Jaymi) Arata, and daughter-in-law, June Arata; grandchildren: Paul Young, Antonio Arata, Ryan Arata, Virginia Sims, Betsy Boykin, Will Sims, Thomas Faris, Sara Faris, James Faris, Ben Wells, Awbrey Smith, Nolan Wells, Katie Arata and Allison Arata; fifteen great-grandchildren; his sister, Ruth Griffis; and a dear friend and helpmate in his later years, Mrs. Roberta Andrews.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o'clock Friday morning in St. James Catholic Church conducted by Father Mark J. Ross. Interment will be private.

Remembrances: St. James Catholic School – 8412 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406-6198.