Beloved San Pedro Matriarch Arlene Antonovich Harrison Passes Away

Arlene Beth Antonovich Harrison, a cherished mother and community figure in San Pedro, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89. Her death marks the end of a life rich in family, artistry, and community involvement. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude K. Harrison, who passed away in 2018, and her brother, Carl Antonovich, who died earlier this year in 2024.

A Legacy of Community and Family

Known affectionately as Nene to her family and friends, Arlene was deeply rooted in the San Pedro community. She was a passionate environmental activist and a proud representative of her Croatian fishing heritage. Her father, Carl Antonovich, and grandfather, John Antonovich, who emigrated from Korcula in 1907, significantly influenced her commitment to the ocean and its preservation.

As a natural artist, Arlene had a gift for capturing beauty, both in her culinary creations and her artwork. A member of the San Pedro Art Association, she enjoyed oil painting landscapes en plein air from her ocean-view beach house. Her culinary skills were equally notable; she was celebrated for hosting dinner parties featuring traditional Croatian seafood dishes, with her hobotnica octopus salad being a particular favorite among guests.

Arlene’s love for the ocean was evident in her role as a devoted mother. She taught her four sons to swim at Cabrillo Beach, instilling a lifelong appreciation for the beach and ocean. Summers spent on Catalina Island with family fostered treasured memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Family and Community Contributions

Her beach house on Bluff Place served as a gathering place for family celebrations, including 4th of July fireworks, Christmas seafood feasts, and various birthdays. Arlene’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, as she embraced her sons’ friends as her own, creating a welcoming environment filled with laughter and love.

Arlene is survived by her sons: Robb (Debbe), Craig (Teresa), Karl (Julie), and Chris (Maria). She leaves behind numerous grandchildren, including Heidi (Chris) Linscomb, Megan Wescott, Molly (Matt) Dragich, Zack (Caitlin) Heberer, Marina (Jesse) Miller, and Aubry Heberer, along with great-grandchildren and extended family members in both San Pedro and Korcula, Croatia.

A private Celebration of Life is being organized for immediate family and close friends in accordance with her wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club, where Arlene’s sons spent many afternoons engaged in activities, or to the San Pedro Art Association, honoring her legacy in both community service and the arts.