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Arnold DEAN Obituary
DEAN, Arnold
Arnold Dean, whose given name was "Arnold D'Angelo," passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, (December 8, 2012). Arnold was 82. Born in Cortland, NY to Frank and Mary D'Angelo, Arnold graduated from Syracuse University after his radio career had already started. He began broadcasting in 1948 at age 18 at WKRT and later at WHEN in Upstate NY. Arnold moved to WTIC in Hartford in 1965, his dream job. Arnold's broadcasting career spanned over 60 years in both radio and television and he covered virtually every format, including news, sports (sports broadcasts for: The Greater Hartford Open (40+ years); The Hartford Whalers; UCONN Basketball & Football; The Hartford Knights and others), children's shows (The Ranger Andy Show), big band music (Sunday Showcase, The Plaza Show, The Dean's List), and finally as the beloved "Dean of Sports" (Talk) at WTIC radio for over 30 years. Along the way, Arnold was awarded, and/or inducted into, the Sportscasters Hall of Fame, Connecticut's Sportscaster of the Year (repeatedly) and also recognized for many exceptional broadcasts by the National Sportscasters - Sportswriters Assoc. Arnold was associated with several charities and tirelessly assisted The Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The Nutmeg State Games. He also generously gave his time to various local sports organizations and charitable work, including the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame and the Middletown Sports Charity Dinner. Arnold, who was well known in the region as "The Dean of Sports" to his fans, will be greatly missed by his many listeners, but most of all by his family. Arnold was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a role model on how to live life. He leaves behind his children Arnold, Jr. Mary Rondini, and Richard, daughters-in-law Dena and Carol; and grandchildren Anthony Rondini, Jenna, Nicole, Samantha and Nicholas. Arnold tenderly cared for his wife Helen, who passed away in 2011, after her struggle with cancer. Arnold lost his brother Bob and sister Anita Corrente earlier in life.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m., Friday Dec. 14 at Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill. Family and friends may gather for a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Arnold's life at 11 a.m., Saturday Dec. 15 at St. James Chruch,767 Elm St. Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Arnold D'Angelo's memory to:The Mother Shaun Endowment Fund, The Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451 or The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th FL., Brookline, MA 02445
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arnold DEAN
Bob Wasserman
January 28, 2013
Arnold was a good friend; he took an interest in me after I told him I was a big fan of his big band programs and also got to appreciate him as the Dean of Sports. Later Arnold became an honorary member of the World Series Club of Hartford County. Anyone who got to meet Arnold in person became his friend for life.
Bob Caffrey
December 26, 2012
Arnie,
Karen and I are so terribly sorry. The times I met your Dad, I was always impressed by what a loving, kind man he was. Your Dad and your family will remain on our thoughts and prayers always.
Bob & Karen Caffrey
Christine Clough
December 21, 2012
I worked with Arnold for only one year way back in the early '70s in my very first job out of college at WTIC radio, and I will always remember him as one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever met. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a Connecticut treasure!
Chuck Wagner
December 20, 2012
Arnold,
My last words to you. I sure do wish I could have said them to you in person before you time had come to pass.
My heart goes out to you my friend as it is time to say goodbye. My sympathy to your family my friend. And all those loved ones who have been so blessed by your life and they will miss you terribly and I know it hurts because you too will miss them. That which you gave, still lives in them and no doubt it is as beautiful in them as it is in you. You have always been a gentle kind man, the ultimate gentleman and the absolute best at what you did professionally and personally. I've seen so many say such mean things in that harsh human nature everyone seems to have, yet you were different. I never recall you being angry or cross or harsh, Ever. But rather I always found you to be understanding and were blessed with a humble nature we all could learn from. You never let it go to your head and understood humility and that you were given a gift and opportunity. I cherish those memories I have of working with you on the other side of the glass in the Gold Building when I had the honor of being your fill in engineer for Arnold Dean Sports in the '80's. Working with you. I knew I had arrived at a higher level never before experienced and an excellence never before felt. My parents were so proud I knew and worked with and for you. We lost your friend and full time engineer Charlie Brown last month, I just can't help but to wonder if God has a job for both of you together again, broadcasting to all of heaven. It wouldn't surprise me one bit to hear Sports Heaven with Arnold Dean. After all, your angel wings were earned during your time on earth.
Thank you for teaching me, a young know it all whipper snapper then, a thing or 2 about life and those things you taught me still live. Thanks for all you did for me and I just wanted you and everyone to know what a fine human being you are and how much I appreciate you for all you did in your beautiful life. Though it has been many many years, your kindness and friendship remains in my heart despite the time.
Rest in peace my friend until we meet again.
Mark Davis
December 17, 2012
Dear Arnold Jr., and your entire family. I had intended to express my condolences to you all in person but tragic events on 12/14 made it impossible for me to do so.
I'm sure you know that your dad, (grandad) was a most wonderful man. The last time I saw him was at your mother's wake and I am so grateful that I was able to hug him and tell him how much he meant to me.
I shall always treasure having known and worked with him.
Deb and Alan Bongiovanni
December 16, 2012
Arnie and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Kelly Joanis
December 14, 2012
Arnie, Mary, Richie and all of you. I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your father. What a wonderful man he was! I feel so blessed to have met him through the loving hands of your mother who I miss dearly. I'm sure that after her screaming arn for the last time he decided to give in and join. May the rest eternal pease together forever. Love to all of you!
Philip Perfido
December 14, 2012
I have very fond memories of Arnold and Helen. My wife and I took many trips with them and could not have had better traveling friends. You will be missed. Love Phil
December 14, 2012
One of the privileges of my career and life were to work with Arnold Dean at WTIC 1080. There isn't a good quality that Arnold didn't have - his sincere pleasant, interested and caring demeanor was the same whether the mic was on or off. I'm so sorry for your loss, but happy for your parents that they are together again. May they sleep in Heavenly peace...
John Serdechny
December 14, 2012
Mary & Family,
I was so shocked to hear this since I just listened to him on the radio a week or so ago. My most sincere condolences to your entire Family. May the Lord bless you with Peace and Strength during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard Fuller
December 14, 2012
The "Dean" of sports will live in my memory. My condolences to family and friends. Sad to read about this. I was a listener when I lived in CT.
Sue Morris
December 14, 2012
We all remember Arnold as a father, a broadcaster, and a friend. Arnold as a colleague, well, he was just astonishing to work with. He was so fond of everybody at WTIC. Those of us who had the pleasure of his company at the radio station over the years are all missing him: his sunny personality, the respect he had for his audience and his great professional presence. His humor and self-deprecating manner--he WAS the Dean. We all loved him so much.
Joe Ryan
December 13, 2012
Dear Arnie,Mary,and Richie, Arnie and Muggy are together again. My prayers are with all of you, as I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was the greatest!
Rosemary DeLucco Alpert
December 13, 2012
Your Dad will be remembered as a truly kind hearted human being, always giving and sharing with incredible Grace and Dignity. You are all in my prayers, sending love and strength.
December 13, 2012
Arnold was a great friend, a consummate professional, and one of the finest men I have ever known. Like so many others, I will miss him very much.
Dan Doyle
West Hartford
Heather Willard
December 13, 2012
Richie and Carol, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Heather, Will and Rachel
December 13, 2012
With thanks on behalf of the many Haitian people who benefited from Arnold's support through Saint Elizabeth Seton church when he added his gifts to fundraising efforts.
Barbaa Wysocki
Our Haitian Promise
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
Ewa Roy
December 13, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. Our heats & prayers go out to the family.
The Roys
Art & Gail Bellucci
December 13, 2012
We celebrate a truly good, compassionate and faith-filled man, Arnold Dean. We are honored to have known him while at St. Elizabeth Seton. May he rest in peace
JoAnn & Wald Krause
December 12, 2012
We're so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Karen, Tim and Gabriela Whonder
December 12, 2012
It was my privilege to get to know and become friends with Arnie and Helen. I join with you in celebrating their lives and the examples they set for so many. Please accept my deepest condolences and warmest regards for the entire family.
Lon Landis
December 12, 2012
While at Syracuse University, I remember watching Arnold D'Angelo on WHEN-TV. Enjoyed working with Arnold many years later at WTIC. He was a class act on the air but most importantly as a person. Arnold Dean..the Dean of Sports!
Bob and Liz Beyus
December 12, 2012
A legend, a gentleman, and a gentle man - all things to be remembered. Our condolences to the family.
Diane Dupuis
December 12, 2012
Dear Arnie, Mary and Richie,
I'm so sorry for the sudden loss of your dad. I just spoke with him, and he was telling me how much he enjoyed Thanksgiving, with Mary and Anthony, and how much he was looking forward to going to Chicago to be with Nicholas and Samantha at Christmas. Your dad also showed great devotion to wonderful Muggy, and I always asked him how he was holding up. He always said he was just great!
He was a positive and amazing man! I'm glad I knew him.
Love to all of you at this sad time!
Mrs Winnie Sawrun
December 12, 2012
Dear Arnie, Mary, and Richie, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. He was a very dear friend and neighbor.
December 12, 2012
Arnold Dean was a sports and broadcasting legend in Connecticut. Every fan of U-Conn teams was also a fan of Mr. Dean. It was a very sad day for all of us when he passed. May he and his beloved wife, Helen be once again together in God's loving hands.
Dorothy and Leonard DeGiorgi
Kensington, CT
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
December 12, 2012
Thoughts, prayers & condolences to the family, friends & collegues of Arnold Dean. He was a constant in my parents home when morning radio was a "must". Connecticut & broadcasting have lost a treasure.
paul perry
December 12, 2012
what a fantastic man. i won a car from the radio station years ago and arnold was the person interviewing the key holders.after the car started and my wife stood up arnold was right there by her side to give her support.
he will be dearly missed
his kind are few and far between these days.
he never acted like the celebrity he was he justed acted like an average joe
may you rest in peace with your wife arnold
Mary Majewski
December 12, 2012
Mary, Anthony, I am very sorry for your loss, I hope your memories will live on keeping your Dad close to your heart.
Mary
December 12, 2012
Dear Arnie, Mary and Richie ~
I am deeply sorry for this tremendous loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all....and hoping that the warmth and support of family and friends will help guide you through the storm that will turn into forever, treasured memories.
December 12, 2012
Mary and I share in your grief, but also celebrate Arnold's life. He was a deep inspiration to me as to how to conduct oneself in daily human interaction. God bless! Sincerely, Chuck Kaiton
Cristina Orsini Harris
December 12, 2012
Mary and Family,
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family with the loss of your Dad. Hopefully the great memories you have of your Dad will put a smile on your face and warm your heart.
Ron Andreoli
December 12, 2012
Mary, Richie and Family, Very sorry to read of your Dad ( and Mom ) they were both awesome people and so glad to have been a part of my life. Thinking of you. Your friend always Ron
Julie Giordano
December 12, 2012
I was blessed to have known such a wonderful person...and honored to have him in my life..I loved him and Helen very much. Julie
kenneth toce
December 12, 2012
sorry to hear of the passing of a great sport broadcaster that i grew up listening to god bless you may you rest in peace.
Bob Lazzari
December 12, 2012
My sincere condolences to the entire D'Angelo family following the loss of a true legend. His kind nature was his greatest gift--a tremendous legacy to leave behind.
Anne Pannone
December 12, 2012
The beloved Dean of Sports will now have the most glorious seat in the house to continue to watch over the games he so loved--sleep in heavenly peace, Arnold Dean....
Joanne
December 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dean family he will be missed and thank you for sharing him with us .
Rosemary Morganti Ames
December 12, 2012
My sincere condolences. Arnie and Helen were very special and I am honored to have known them. Blessings to you all.
Kathleen Lewis
December 12, 2012
Mary, Arni and Richie, my prayers and thoughts are very much with you at this time of sadness. Your father was an amazing man. Last time I saw him was when he was at a little league game and my dad was there as well and it was so great to see both of their faces light up when they saw each other. They talked and laughed. We go way back to Carrriage Hill Drive. I do know he is in a much better place now. You're are all in my heart.
Luke E. DiMaria and the Staff of Brooklawn Funeral Home/Giuliano-Sagarino
December 12, 2012
We extend our deepest sympathies at this time and thank you for entrusting us with the care of your loved one.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Brooklawn Funeral Home - Rocky Hill511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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