David R. Arnold

1939 - 2017

Known by many, loved by all. How can you take a beautiful novel about a wonderful person down to several paragraphs? Dave was born June 11, 1939 to Harry M. Arnold and Edith Tooker Arnold and passed away on August 4, 2017 in the comfort of his wife's arms at his home in Somers, Ct. Dave's journey began in S. Glastonbury, Ct. He moved to Enfield, Ct. at 13, where his passions and talents began to blossom-cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, anything he could tinker with. Nights spent in his barn with friends, then showing off their talents by drag racing them on Kings Hwy. Dave joined the Navy in 1959 stationed at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk Virginia, where he decided skydiving might be a good idea. Story has it he parachuted from a hop going home from Virginia to Maine onto Rt. 5 to get home sooner-we all know that didn't go over well. Dave graduated New England College in Henniker, NH, where he ventured into car chuting. Dave enjoyed time with his children, go cart and mini sprint racing, and with 4H, showing chickens, goats, and horses, along with many other activities. In '82, I met this wonderful man, and shared so many beautiful years. Our home in Stafford, with our dear friends the Ouellettes-yearly eggnog parties with many friends. Our lake house in SC was a place of peace and tranquility. Pontoon boat on the lake, with the sun on our faces. Cruises with our dear friends Jack and Jo Harvey, and cross-country trips in our second home. Back in Somers with family and friends, Dave enjoyed sharing his wisdom with his grandson, Nate and Nate's dear friend Ryan Winston, whom Dave considered family. Dave was involved with Woodcrest, American Legion 101, and cigar making with friend Ken Chickosky. Many thanks to Rueben, Fatima and the staff of Acapolcos, where we had loving, happy memories, and met many new friends. Family that will love and remember him always, his wife Connie Ford Arnold, mother-in-law Connie Ford, fondly known as DOM, step-daughter Amy Smith, husband Tom, and grandson Nate. Brother-in law's Richard P. Ford, Jack Ford, wife Carol, Tom Ford, and wife Ginny. Madeline Arnold their children Sharon Lumpkin, husband Ron, Ann Marie Charette, husband Gary, and son Philip. Dave was preceded in death by his son Steven David Arnold while serving in the U.S. Navy, Grandchildren, Greg, Megan, Jenna, Mitchel, Alex and Lindsay. Great-grandchildren, Mady, Abbey, Bre and Caelyn. Sister, June Ashworth, nephew Greg, wife Lynn, niece LD Ashworth. Donations may be made to The American Legion, Buck-Dubiel Post 101, P 0 Box 101, Somers, Ct. 06071. A celebration of life will be held on August 20th 12-4 pm , at Copper Hill Country Club, 20 Cooper Hill Road East Granby, Ct.