New London - Harry P. Arnold, 78, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Jan. 20, 2014, after a long, courageous battle with leukemia.
A native of New London, he was born on July 7, 1935, the son of William G. and Grace B. (Platt) Arnold. He graduated in 1953 from the former New London High School and studied trombone at the Hartt School of Music.
Mr. Arnold performed with the 774th Air Force Band in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1955 until 1958. He then enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Band in New London, until his retirement as senior chief musician in 1981. Mr. Arnold distinguished himself as a principal trombonist with the concert band and served as trombonist with the Coast Guard Dance Band and as leader of the Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band.
Post retirement from his military career, Mr. Arnold was a trombonist with the Chic Cicchetti Hartford Jazz Orchestra and The Dick Campo Big Band. By far, the gig that brought him the most enjoyment was his nearly 35-year run with the Freight Train Dixieland Jazz Band at the Griswold Inn in Essex.
Mr. Arnold was also employed for over 50 years for Hendel's Inc. He was a longstanding member of the Brainard Lodge No. 102 A.F. & A.M. and the Sphinx Temple Shriners. He also was a member of Local 285 Musicians Union.
He is survived by his wife, Grace (DiMaggio); his daughter, Darlene Young of Norwich; his son, Eric P. Arnold and his wife, Beth Arnold, of Hebron; his brother, William G. Arnold Jr., of Lake Worth, Fla.; and aunt, Virginia Shook, formerly of New London. He was the beloved Gamps to his six grandchildren, Jessica Taylor (Langley) and her husband, Andrew Taylor, of New York City, Kevin Langley of Norwich, Lauren, Stephen, Ryan, and Adam Arnold of Hebron.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Darlene,
I just heard of your fathers passing while talking to my mother tonight in Connecticut. Please pass along my condolences to your mother for me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betsy (Bresser) Olsen
February 21, 2014
What can you say, a good man gone.
Ed Arnold
January 28, 2014
Sadden to hear of Harry's passing, I played golf with Harry on Wednesday Nights....what a great competitor. I will miss his wit and humor during our round of golf.
Jerry Brown
January 27, 2014
I had SO much fun sitting next to Harry in Chic's band from 1993 to 2005. A great guy and a great musician. "Yeaaaahhh mannnnn!"
Jim Fryer
January 27, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of busters passing....he was always so kind to me during his visits to harringtons pub. Thankful I knew him and he was a great friend to my dad...a fellow musician...what a great guy.
June-bug Sylvia-cummings
January 26, 2014
Saddened to hear of Harry's passing, I had the pleasure of "being on the list" at Hendels for quite a few years. Harry was the voice of Hendels. Harry will be dearly missed. Condolences and prayers to Harry's family
Michele
January 25, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear of Harry's passing. I will always have wonderful memories of sitting in with him and the rest of the Freight Train crew at the Gris on many occasions; and of having Harry join us numerous times in the old Bourbon Street Seven jazz band. What a superb musician and entertainer Harry was, and an absolutely delightful fellow to spend time with!
Our sincerest condolences go out to Grace and the rest of the family at this time of loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Sylvia
David Mechler
January 25, 2014
Grace, Darlene, Eric and family....I will always consider Thursday night at the Gris to be some of the best times of my life. It was always a special night for my parents as well. My thoughts are with all of you. The "Bone " man will always be "schuckin an jiving" forever.
Billy Young
January 24, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Grace, Eric and Beth, Darleen and their children, and your entire family: it is evident that Harry was so very valued and much loved by all who were touched by his life. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Henry & Noreen St. Hilaire
January 23, 2014
Sorry to hear the passing of one great man. When I worked with Harr side by side he always made me laugh. His comments where one of a kind. He was a happy person that matched his personality. Sorry you had to go. God Bless you. My deepest sympathy to all his family.
Kelley Kurk
January 23, 2014
Auntie Grace, Eric, Darleen and family.... You have been in our thoughts and prayers everyday!! We love you and we will miss Uncle Harry terribly! Love always, The Carlins
Leah Carlin
January 23, 2014
We were saddened to hear the news that Harry had passed. Bob and I worked with Harry at Hendels for many years and he always had a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice. We'll miss him so much..
May god bless you and your family. Rest in peace!!
Gotcha covered Harry.. <3
Mary and Bob
January 23, 2014
Jane & I were saddened to hear of Harry's passing. He was always a great friend and, of course, a great musician! We will miss him! Our thoughts are with you and your family in this sad time.
Ken & Jane
January 23, 2014
We would like to offer our condolences to Grace and family. We consider ourselves fortunate to have known him and enjoyed his music for many years.
He will soon be leading that heavenly angel band.
Tom and Karen Sharp
Tom Sharp
January 23, 2014
Dear Auntie Grace, Darleen, Eric & Family, Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your lives. All Our Love, Tim, Annette, Frank, Claire, Nancy, Tim, Michelle & Patrick
January 23, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 23, 2014
To Grace and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Harry will be sorely missed by Tracey, myself and our children. He brought smiles and laughter whenever he walked into a room! Tracey and I had the good fortune to finally see Harry play at the Griswold Inn a couple of years ago. That was such a great night! He was clearly the last of the "cool cats"!
Frank and Tracey Florio
January 23, 2014
Eric and Beth,
Rob and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Rob
Linda Tanner
January 22, 2014
Sorry to here that the greatest dispatcher of Hendel's and fellow friend had passed. He always had a great disposition, smile and a great sense of hummer with that cup of coffee in his hand in the morning. Harr you where one of a kind. You will be greatly missed.
Shawn Bohara
January 22, 2014
So sorry to hear this sad news. Sending you love and prayers during this difficult time. xoxoxoxoxo
Karen & Bob Emery
January 22, 2014
Harry, your infectious smile and love of life and of music, will be forever etched in my mind. You will be missed!
Al Lyman
January 22, 2014
Harry was a class act. I am honored to have known him
Rich Storey
January 22, 2014
Harry was one of the most patient, kind and least confrontational men that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Harry's talent in his beloved music, only set the background to the wonderful lyric and spirit of his life. Harry's loss will be felt by all that knew him, but his generosity will be realized forever. My most deep condolences to his wife Grace, daughter Darlene, son Eric and his wife Beth and to his grandchildren and entire family.
John Chapman
January 22, 2014
To Beth, I am sorry to hear of your father in law's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
erika melendez
January 22, 2014
Harry, you were one of a kind and you will be sadly missed.
I should sign this Tom-Tom which is what you always called me.
Thomas Briggs
January 22, 2014
To Harry's Family and Friends,
It is sad to read of Harry's passing. I will always remember the great times and great music with the "Freight Train" at the beloved Gris. Harry was not only a great trombone player, he was a great showman and worked the crowd well and got everyone involved. The memories will last forever Harry, and the music will live on and play forever. As you always said at the end of the night after the last set "Straight Home"!!! Yes indeed Harry - "Straight Home". God Bless.
Jim Shake
January 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Harry's Family. I had the pleasure of working with Harry at Hendels.
Denise DeLuca
January 22, 2014
Eric, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Yvette
January 22, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Grace and their family. He was a terrific player and I especially enjoyed listening to him at the Gris.
Joanne Rodino
January 22, 2014
Eric, Beth, Lauren, Stephen, Ryan & Adam,
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
With Love,
The Urciuoli Family, Hebron CT
January 22, 2014
Grace,
I was saddened to read of Buster leaving us.My deepest sympathy to you & your family.
Jim Tripp
Venice,FL
January 22, 2014
I have worked with Harry in his Freight Train band for the last several years, and I found him to be patient, kind, generous, and supremely talented. He really loved playing trombone. I will miss him greatly. Requiescat in pace, Harry.
Pete Davis
January 22, 2014
To Grace and family. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
madelyn lyman
January 22, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
connie ( landry) bonner
January 22, 2014
To say I enjoyed my years working with Harry at Hendels would be a gross understatement! He was the best. I am saddened by his passing and will cherish our time together. As he always use to say to me.. "hey man". Rest in peace my dear friend.
Jim Spinnato
January 22, 2014
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more