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HARVARD – Richard P. Arsenty, 68, of Harvard, died Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Centegra Hospital – Woodstock.
He was born Feb. 5, 1945, in Woodstock, to Peter A. and Florence C. (Schulz) Arsenty. Richard received degrees from the University of Illinois in biology education and library science. After teaching for seven years at the high school, college and university levels, he took advantage of a unique opportunity and went to work as a libretto translator for MRF Records in New Jersey. Eight years later, he decided to return to academia, accepting a position as science reference librarian at Purchase College near New York City. At the end of 2002, after 16 years of service to the college, he took an early retirement and returned to Illinois. Richard had translated more than 160 libretti for organizations such as Opera Orchestra of New York, The New York City Opera, The Waterloo Festival, Hungaraton Records, Orfeo Records and Opera Rara. His translations include all of Meyerbeer's operas (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2004), Nerone (Boito), Das Liebesverbot (Wagner), La Juive (Halevy), Marino Faliero (Donizetti), Salammbo (Reyer), Jerusalem (Verdi), Crispino e la Comare (Ricci) and many others. Richard enjoyed reading, listening to and discussing opera.
Survivors include a brother, Robert E. (Virginia) Arsenty of Ellsinore, Mo.; a sister, Rogene A. (John) Kyle of Harvard; nieces, Nicole and Andrea (Scott Kilty) Kyle; nephews, Robert (Sandra), Peter F., William (Jamie) and Neil (Stephanie) Arsenty; seven grandnieces and grandnephews; and one great-grandnephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard. The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Steve Sward officiating. Interment will be in McHenry County Memorial Park in Woodstock.
Memorials may be made to the Harvard Fire-Rescue Association, P.O. Box 263, Harvard, IL 60033. For information, call the funeral home at 815-943-5400.
Sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Sorry to hear about Rich, Time does move on, remembering all the good old days, with a smile.. Thinking of you all. Ruth and Jim
July 2, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Staff of Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home
July 2, 2013
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