Arlene C. (Fazio) Conti

Arlene Christina Conti passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 90.Arlene was the beloved wife of the late John Dominco Conti Jr., devoted mother of Frank Conti, cherished grandmother of Ella Sophia Conti, and loving mother-in-law of Courtney Lynn Conti. She will be remembered for her strength, support, joyfulness, and her true zest for life.

Arlene's professional life was rich with creativity and dedication. She was a dancer, actress, director, choreographer, show manager, dance instructor, and longtime costume designer. Her passion for the performing arts began early-she specialized in tap dancing at age 8 and later studied ballet for several years. By age 11, she performed ballet in the opera Aida at the Academy of Music. In her late teens, she participated in local USO shows and became a regular on the Horn & Hardart Children's Hour. At 19, she began teaching at the Nicetown Boys & Girls Club, and by 22 she was acting at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, NJ, where she performed for many years.

Arlene married John Conti in 1961 at the age of 26. Together, they built a life rooted in artistry and community. After purchasing The Towne Playhouse in Roxborough, they worked side by side for years-John as set designer, technical director, and production lead, and Arlene as the artistic and creative director, as well as the face of the shows. They produced beloved musicals including The Boyfriend, The Pajama Game, Li'l Abner, Sweet Charity, Show Boat, The Music Man, West Side Story, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, and a threepart Vaudeville and Burlesque series. Arlene also taught dance for many years out of the Towne Playhouse, shaping countless young performers.

Family and friends of the Conti family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 6th, with a greeting period from 9:30-10:30 AM, at the Sacred Heart Chapel (next to the rectory, off the parking lot) at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 819 Cathedral Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128.
 

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