STEPHEN M. ARCANA, LT, USN

Stephen Arcana '68

Date of birth: January 18, 1945

Date of death: September 9, 1971

Age: 26

Lucky Bag

From the 1968 Lucky Bag:

STEPHEN MICHAEL ARCANA

Gibsonburg, Ohio

After spending a year at Rutgers Steve decided to accept the challenge offered by the Academy. His performance here was outstanding in both the academic and athletic fields. The Navy was quite a change for Steve often seeing nothing but Army bases previously. But being an "Army brat" has its advantages. "Arci" quickly adjusted to the fast and furious pace of plebe year and went on to excel in almost anything he tried. Not being ready to settle down for awhile, Steve was always in the midst of a bevy of feminine charms. When not studying for his Foreign Affairs minor or practicing his powerful backhand, Steve could always be found taking on his share of a party. It looks like Naval Aviation will gain another outstanding officer in the near future.

He was also a member of the 9th Company staff (1st set).

STEPHEN MICHAEL ARCANA

Gibsonburg, Ohio

After spending a year at Rutgers Steve decided to accept the challenge offered by the Academy. His performance here was outstanding in both the academic and athletic fields. The Navy was quite a change for Steve often seeing nothing but Army bases previously. But being an "Army brat" has its advantages. "Arci" quickly adjusted to the fast and furious pace of plebe year and went on to excel in almost anything he tried. Not being ready to settle down for awhile, Steve was always in the midst of a bevy of feminine charms. When not studying for his Foreign Affairs minor or practicing his powerful backhand, Steve could always be found taking on his share of a party. It looks like Naval Aviation will gain another outstanding officer in the near future.

He was also a member of the 9th Company staff (1st set).

Loss

From the December 1971 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Stephen Michael Arcana, USN, died at sea on 9 September in an aircraft accident off the west coast. Mass was celebrated on 2 October at the Church of the Cure of Ars, Merrick, N.Y.
Born in Gibsonburg, Oh., he attended Rutgers University for a year before entering the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1968. After earning his wings he was assigned to VF-121 at NAS, Miramar. He had recently returned from Southeast Asia where he had flown 141 missions and was awarded nine air medals and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V."
At the time of his death, Lt. Arcana was attached to VF-213.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Arcana, of Merrick, NY; two brothers, John and Kevin; and four sisters, Mary, Patricia, Michele and Regina.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz: "Graduated from Sanford H. Calhoun High School in 1963 in Merrick, New York. Honor Society 12; JV Football, 11; Varsity Football 12; Baseball, 11, 12; Varsity “C”."

In December 1968, as Ensigns, Stephen and classmates John Dranchak, Robert Crashaw, and Henry Schmidt were sword bearers at the wedding of classmate Harland W. Jones, Jr in Weston, MA.

Stephen has a memory marker in Ohio.