SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- The USF Dons athletics family is saddened to acknowledge the passing of former USF baseball and football player Joseph "LaLa" Arenivar last week at the age of 88.
A native of Pittsburg, Calif., Arenivar earned a football scholarship from USF through his tremendous athletic talent and was a member of the famed 1951 Dons football team that refused an offer to play in the Orange Bowl because they wouldn't allow the team's African American athletes to compete.
Following the strong and decisive actions from Arenivar and his teammates on behalf of their fellow Dons, the university bestowed every member of the team with a Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters which helped began LaLa's lifelong pursuit of equal rights for all.
Following his time on the Hilltop, Arenivar signed with the New York Yankees in 1954 and then ended up serving in the military. Following his honorable discharge from service, LaLa returned home to Pittsburg which began a 34-year career as a teacher, coach and administrator with the Pittsburg Unified School District.
His work with the school district also included a 23 year tenure in the elected position as the Pittsburg School Board Trustee, and in 2018 the Pittsburg Unified School District honored Arenivar by naming the new baseball field in his honor.
He is survived by his loving wife Olga, their three children, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and three siblings.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 from 2-6 p.m. at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel, with the funeral scheduled for Saturday Feb. 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Martyr Church of Pittsburg. A celebration of life will follow at the Joseph P. Arenivar baseball field at Pittsburg High School.
The entire Dons atheltics family sends our thoughts and prayers to Arenivar's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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