Arnold D Sedel

June 5, 1937 – July 4,2022 (age 85)

Arnold (Arnie) Sedel, age 85, passed away Monday, July 4th. Arnie was born in Philadelphia, PA and attended Temple University where he studied business and loved playing basketball. His passion for sports and business drove him to his career in retail. He was a true merchant always trail blazing new ideas. His operations role expanded many retail businesses across the country Including Sports Authority, Hermann’s Sporting Goods, E.J. Korvette, Kiddie City, as well as owning his own local sporting goods business many years ago, Sporting Goods Warehouse in Ft.Lauderdale’s Searstown plaza. In his post retirement he had fun working at Sailorman, Dick’s & Big Dog Tackle here in south Florida. During his years w/Hermann’s, he met his wife Marla in Northbrook IL, raising three sons to love the retail industry and follow in his footsteps. He soon became Sr VP-Operations of Sports Authority and an integral member of the pathbreaking leadership team.

His career w/Sports Authority brought Arnie & Marla to south Florida in the late 80’s and his love for fishing landed him in the coastal community of Lighthouse Point where he was an active member of the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman’s Assn (LHPSSA) for over 30 years, winning several awards including Grand Master Angler & IGFA world records. For nearly 20 years Arnie was an active supporter in the Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series to catch the cure for cystic fibrosis, while fishing many of their tournaments & winning several awards. He and Redbone founder Gary Ellis collaborated to develop and market the popular Redbone Rod. Arnie’s fishing passion took him on adventures to South America, Costa Rica, Bahama’s and the great Florida waters. Arnie was at home on the water, fishing with his closest friends. His love for being on the water and fishing has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Arnie was great at bringing people together, a leader and mentor to those in his profession and personal lives. He will always be remembered for cheering on his grandkid’s soccer, baseball, football & lacrosse games, his Philadelphia Eagles & Flyers, and the Florida Panthers.

Arnie is survived by his loving wife Marla (Christensen-Hicks), 3 sons & their families: Mike & Jennifer Sedel (Pembroke Pines, FL), Michael & Patti Hicks (Charleston, IL), Chris & Ann Marie Hicks (Boca Raton, FL) and 5 grandchildren - Dakota Hicks, Sarah Sedel, Christopher, Matthew & Anthony Hicks, a daughter Hope and his sister Sharon Malkiel (Philadelphia). Arnie appreciated the love and loyalty of his family and friends.

A Celebration of Arnie’s Life will be held August 4, 5:pm at Galuppi’s Restaurant, Pompano Beach, FL. Please contact the family for further information.

Donations: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Help Catch a Cure” for cystic fibrosis at www.redbone.org/donate or directly through the Redbone Gallery (Islamorada, FL) 305-664-2002