Thomas Lyman Arnold Jr.

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. - Thomas Lyman Arnold Jr., 81, of Charlestown, R.I., passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, at South County Hospital in Wakefield, R.I. He was the loving husband of Lillian Bronner Arnold for 53 years.

Born in Waterbury, Conn., he was the son of the late Thomas L. Arnold II and Harriet Siemens Arnold. He spent his youth primarily in Naugatuck and West Hartford, Conn. He graduated in 1951 from the Northwood School in Lake Placid, N.Y., and in 1955 from Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering and was a member of the Society for Advancement of Management.

Following his graduation, he enjoyed a long and successful career in industrial engineering, maintenance management, and information systems. He started his career at the storied John A. Roebling Company in Trenton, N.J. Living primarily in Lawrenceville, N.J., he moved from Roebling into positions of increasing responsibility at US Gauge, Allied Container, West Virginia Pulp and Paper (Westvaco), and ITT Rayonier. At Westvaco and ITT Rayonier, he was a pioneer in the application of computer systems in analyzing complex industrial engineering problems and performing financial analyses. He then joined Auto Tell Services and used his information systems experience to develop cutting-edge computerized maintenance management systems for the automotive and health care industries. After moving to Charlestown, he ended his career providing manufacturing and maintenance consulting services for Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services (RIMES), helping manufacturing companies throughout Rhode Island improve their operations. He was a life member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) and was a long-time member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). He was an avid runner. While living elsewhere most of his life, he spent the summers of his youth, holidays, and other times whenever possible with his family in Charlestown, enjoying Ninigret Pond, the beach, and duck hunting. He developed and maintained a great love and appreciation for Ninigret Pond that he passed on to his family. He followed in his great-uncle and father's footsteps, nurturing the ancestral Arnold homestead.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian; son, Thomas L. Arnold III and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Arnold; grandchildren, Thomas L. Arnold IV and Ashley E. Arnold; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services and interment will be private. We hope you will consider making a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.