John R. Arnold

John Richard Arnold, known as Rich Arnold, of Walden NY, passed away at St Luke's - Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh NY on January 27, 2011. He was 63. Rich was born in New York City NY on February 28, 1947 to John and Dorothy Arnold. He lived in upper Manhattan and the Bronx before moving to New City in Rockland County in 1957. As an adult he ultimately settled in Orange County. Rich graduated Clarkstown HS in 1965. He attended Rockland Community College and Indiana Institute Of Technology. Rich served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969 achieving the rank of Spec 4 in the Light Infantry. Rich became a member of the New York City Fire Department in 1973 where he served until 1984 as a certified fire fighter with Engines 85, 69, and 62. He then served from 1984 until his retirement in 2003 as a New York City Fire Department Fire Marshall. Mr. Arnold enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved dog Dilly. He enjoyed the music of Frankie Vali and the Four Season and Willie Nelson. He loved his pasta. Cared for his pound cats and dogs. He loved the paternal atmosphere of the firehouse and his brother fire fighters. He had fond memories of his childhood in the city. He was very fond of his grandmother. Rich is survived by his sister Dorothy Arnold of Sackets Harbor, NY, as well as his sister Laura Lobley and her husband Edwin of Bayside NY. He is also survived by his nephew Jeffrey Anthony and his niece Elizabeth Anthony, his cousin Bill Arnold, as well as by Dean Anthony, Shannondoah Rose Arnold, and Donna Cornnachia. He is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and John Arnold. The family will receive friends Sunday January 30th from 2 to 6 pm at the Higgins Funeral Home, 321 S. Main St, New City, NY 10956. Religious services will take place on Monday at the funeral home at 11 am with Interment to follow at Brick Church Cemetery in New Hempstead, NY.