Joel M. Arnold

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Somers High School Somers High School Tolland High School Springfield College

Joel Arnold Obituary

ARNOLD, Joel M. Joel M. Arnold died at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, after a long battle with cancer, on Saturday, (September 19, 2009) at the age of 62. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Charles and Sylvia (Klemus) Arnold. He attended Springfield College before being inducted into the military. Joel served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and until 1972 in the USMC Reserves. Upon his discharge from active duty he returned to Springfield College, where he completed his Masters Degree in 1971. Joel had a lifelong interest in education, working as a teacher, coach, school counselor, vice principal and principal for several Connecticut schools. In 1978, he left the educational field to pursue a career in sales with Bausch & Lomb; as an entrepreneur, he opened Visions of Longmeadow. Upon selling the business, he returned to his primary passion—education--as a vice principal at Somers High School, and he subsequently served as school counselor at Tolland High School until his retirement. He was also very active in coaching wrestling, football, and baseball. Joel leaves his beloved wife Lora (Zimmerman) Arnold, whom he married in 1969. His memory will also be cherished by his son Michael Arnold and his wife Jaimee; by his daughter Kristin Murphy and her husband Patrick; and by his treasured grandsons, Jack and Nicholas Arnold and Owen Murphy, all of Longmeadow. He is also survived by his two brothers, Robert Arnold of Pompano Beach, FL and Craig Arnold and his wife Elaine of Clifton, NJ, and as well as Craig's sons, Travis and Eric. He will be remembered fondly by his many devoted friends and former students. The funeral for Joel will be held with full Military Honors on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Mourners may join the funeral procession from Tazzini Funeral Home, corner of Locust and Main St., Springfield, at 9 a.m. Calling hours will be held there on Wednesday, from 3-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, 208 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Arnold

12 Entries

Alison Rivers

October 16, 2009

To Mr. Arnold's family and friends, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. Mr. Arnold was my guidance counselor at Tolland High School. He made such a positive influence on the students of Tolland, from the smiles and laughter he encouraged to the impactful direction he gave me that led me to a great college and the beginnings of a career, currently serving our Veterans. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with you all.

Rosemary Sullivan

September 27, 2009

Lora,
Educators have a way of staying connected even with the passage of so much time. It was through a mutual friend that I have learned of Joel's untimely passing. It is never easy to say good-bye to someone we love and the days, weeks and months that follow are difficult. I send you and the family strength and support, heartfelt understanding and patience to find peace in your lives once again.

Peter Levine

September 23, 2009

Lora, Michael and Kristen,

Melanie and I are saddened by your loss of Joel on Saturday. He was a good man and loyal friend. Our sympathy and condolences are with you and your families at this trying time.

Karen Laramee

September 23, 2009

Kristin & Family,

So sorry to hear of your loss of your father. I lost my father 2 years ago and understand how it feels. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time and if you need anything please let me know.

Richard Tariff

September 22, 2009

My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Joel's sense of humor, passion as an educator and love of family are what I will always remember him for. I am honored to say that Joel M. Arnold was my friend.

Joan Aucoin

September 22, 2009

Dear Lora, Michael, Kristin,
Craig and Robert, and next generation...

How do we measure the worth of a good friend? Someone who never forgets, who always remembers with a smile and a story, someone who adored his own parents and brothers, then wife and children, and now the hope of an enduring legacy in active, vibrant grandchildren.

I still walk Old MIll Road where Joel lived during his school years, and was such a great friend to my brother,Charlie, and my parents now gone, and me, too, the little sister. We remember the day Joel left for Vietnam..the day he came home...the day he brought Lora up our driveway from Jones Beach looking like a Sports Illustrated model....and then on to Springfield College, where they would settle to work and raise a family.

Michael, I still remember our trip to West Palm Beach to visit your grandparents, and your mom, and you , and me sharing a pull-out couch, and how welcoming your grandparents were to me. You were such an adorable young toddler.

We managed only a few visits to Captains Road, which is our loss. Life seems to get cramped with schedules and "responsibilities" and we lose time too quickly. How wonderful to see you all at Dad's 60th surprise birthday party just two years ago. Than you for including us. Our thoughts are with you and prayers for Joel who truly exemplified being a true friend, God bless.

Linda Pagliuco

September 22, 2009

Tony and I are so sorry to learn of the loss of Joel, your husband, father, and grandfather. We hope you will soon find peace and comfort in your shared memories of Joel's love and the many happy times you experienced throughout your years together.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony and Linda Pagliuco

September 22, 2009

To Lora and the Arnold family,

I have just learned of Joel's passing and want to extend my sincere condolences to all of you. Joel and I shared careers in education in which we served in a variety of roles. Our careers touched in Enfield, Somers and finally Tolland. In each position, in each district Joel was the same - a real gentleman and totally immersed in what he was doing. He spoke lovingly and often of his family. He will surely be missed. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

Ann LoVoi, Enfield

Paula Robinson

September 22, 2009

To the Family of Mr. Joel Arnold:

We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Arnold's passing. He was a wonderful guidance counselor, mentor and friend to our son Brian who graduated from Tolland High School in 2002 and then went on to the US Naval Academy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We hope that you find comfort in knowing that your husband and father was so well thought of by so many people.

Jeffrey, Paula, Tracy and LTJG Brian Robinson

September 22, 2009

Lora, Michael and Kristin,

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joel will be missed more than he probably ever would have realized.

All our love to you.
Kelli and Ian

September 22, 2009

Lora - I was sorry to hear of Joel's passing and hold you and your family in my prayers during this very difficult time. I hope that you will find comfort and peace knowing that you are in the thoughts and hearts of those who love you during this difficult time.

Kris Bowsza

Bob & Kathy Johnson

September 22, 2009

Lora,

We were saddened to hear of your loss of Joel. We know what a difficult time this is for you, your children, and your family.
Joel enriched the lives of all he touched and will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss; we hope that the support of family and friends and your memories of Joel will comfort you in the days ahead.

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