Jeffrey H. ARNOLD

ARNOLD, Jeffrey H. Jeffrey Hartigan Arnold, 42, of West Hartford, entered into eternal rest on Sunday (February 7, 2010), at The Reservoir Care and Rehabilitation Center in West Hartford. He leaves his beloved wife, Joyce (Pease) and treasured sons, Ryan Jeffrey and Aidan Edward. Jeff was a brave and courageous man who never lost his faith in The Lord. His life's dreams and goals were centered around his precious wife and sons. Jeff was a thoughtful, kind, sensitive and loving husband and father. He also leaves his father, William E. Arnold and his wife, Ann K. Arnold, his mother, June Zottola, his sister, Allison Arnold-Tirado and her son, Joseph, a sister, Marybeth and her husband, Thor Crone and their children, Margrét Ann and Kyle, a sister-in-law, Michelle and her husband, Timothy Walker. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves many supportive Uncles and Aunts: Richard and Diane Arnold, Edward and Anne Arnold, Francis and Margaret (Peg) Macchi, Carmela Arnold, Jean Turning, Armand and Elaine Zottola, Barbara Zottola and Rita Miller. He also leaves many dear cousins and their spouses and children. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth (Lannon) Arnold; and Armand and Marion (Hartigan) Zottola. His uncle, James Arnold, and his aunt, Carol Merrick, also predeceased him. Jeff leaves his faithful and loyal friends who were like brothers to him: Paul Sullivan, Kurt Bauer, Richard Bauer, James Ferland, Curt Nadeau, and Peter Sledzik. This wonderful group of men, and their families, were a special part of Jeff's life. Jeff graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, where he was Vice President of his Senior Class. He went on to attend The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was honored by Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Sciences, as an "Outstanding Junior and Senior" in the field of Social Science. He was elected Vice President of his Junior and Senior classes. After graduating from college, Jeff enrolled in The Catholic University of America – Columbus School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1992. Jeff continued his service to others while in law school, serving as a Board Member of the Student Bar Association, as well as an Appointed Organization Representative and Academic Senator in the Graduate Student Association. In addition to his college studies and responsibilities, Jeff became very involved in the political atmosphere and process during his seven years as a student in the Nation's Capital. He maintained his passion for politics throughout his life. Upon graduating from law school, Jeff was hired by GEICO Insurance. He began his professional career in Long Island, NY, before moving to the GEICO office in Stamford, CT, as Staff Counsel. Jeff was deeply proud to be a member of the GEICO family. In 1996, he was delegated by GEICO to be the Managing Attorney of Jeffrey H. Arnold & Associates in West Hartford. He took great pride in his Staff Counsel Attorneys and Secretaries. Jeff was a member of the American Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Jeff was an active member of the Shuttle Meadow Country Club, where he shared many social gatherings with friends and family. He was a passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, and the UCONN football and basketball teams. His free time centered on spending cherished moments with his wife and sons, and creating memories for them, with family travels throughout New England Disney World, Canada and Ireland. Jeff always looked forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Whatever the occasion, the family home was decorated accordingly and there was always appropriate music to go along. Jeff was a member of the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury, through which he began his family's tradition of marching in the annual "Proud To Be Irish" St. Patrick's Day Parade, making sure to always wear proper green attire, including green shoes for himself and his sons. Jeff was an extremely enthusiastic and positive person. Upon greeting family or friends, he would carry his upbeat manner with a big smile, sparkling eyes and a handshake or a pat on the back. He had a great sense of humor that would always find its way into the greeting. Jeff will be affectionately remembered for his loyalty and love of family and friends. His life and spirit were a testament to the old Irish Proverb: "Dance as if no one is watching; sing as if no one is listening, and live every day as if it were your last." Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford on Thursday, February 11, 2010, between the hours of 4 and 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 1:30 pm at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. Everyone is encouraged to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeff's honor to: The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, Attn: Contribution Services in memory of Jeffrey H. Arnold. Jeff's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to his caregivers from VITAS (Innovative Hospice Care), with a special thanks to Dee. Heartfelt thanks also go to the competent and compassionate staff at The Reservoir Care and Rehabilitation Center of West Hartford, who made it possible for Jeff to spend his final days with dignity, with special thanks to Billy, the Administrator and Jennifer, the Director of Nursing.