Arnold Risman

Two years before the famed Tin Man sang about wanting a working heart, Arnold Risman was born in 1937. He was raised in a Jewish neighborhood in Boston, where he got to run around and avoid doing his Latin homework or having to work behind the counter at his father's butcher shop (his mother wanted him to get to be a kid). Arnold had a mind of his own when it came to school work and discipline. Arnold went to almost as many high schools as there were years of high school (two), but somehow, he always loved to learn anyway! He enjoyed Boston Latin, his first high school, despite being kicked out of it, and thought fondly of his time there.

Arnold was the first in his family to go to college. He became an environmental engineer after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Northeastern and a master's degree in environmental engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was one of the pioneers of environmental and sanitation engineering, a field that was still in its infancy at the time. His final title position before retirement was as the NYS Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Protection, where he proudly worked to improve the air and water quality in New York, from his office at the World Trade Center. Since 9/11, he donated monthly to Tunnel for Towers; he spoke of how impressed he was with the way they pivoted to a national mission following the tragedy.

Arnold had two wives, both named Barbara, and four kids, none of whom are named Barbara. He was the proud father of Ken (Kenny), Steve (Stevie), Laura, and Mark. His son- and daughters-in-law include Satomi (Ken), Sloane (Laura), and Staci (Mark). Memories of his time with his children as they grew up reveal him to be smart and knowledgeable and very confident in his beliefs and ability to give advice.

Arnold faced numerous challenges with his heart health which shaped a large part of his life. Arnold had his first heart attack (yes, there was a second one) when he was 37, fifty years ago. He had his second heart attack in 1983. Among his many tales of success, Arnold received a heart transplant in 1995. He just recently celebrated thirty years with his new heart in August. He received a kidney transplant in 2007 and had been living with his new kidney (whose previous owner was his daughter, Laura!) for the last eighteen years. He was a supporter of organ donation, and took great care of these life-saving gifts that he was able to receive. He attributed his longevity, not only to these transplants, but also to taking daily walks and drinking water.

He and Barbara, his wife of 56 years, moved to Staten Island in 1972 where they raised Laura and Mark. Ken and Steve would come to visit, and eventually both moved to Staten Island to join the rest of their family.

After his transplant, Arnold became a grandfather to five, none of whom are named Barbara: Samantha, Rebecca, Skylar, Evan, and Noah. If you can't remember all those names, just check the mug in his kitchen where he proudly displays them all. He valued education and passion in each of his children and grandchildren, and loved to ask about all the happenings of his family members. Arnold read the Staten Island Advance every morning and walked around his neighborhood every day, always encouraging his friends and family to go on walks with him.

Regardless of his health challenges, Arnie made every effort to attend his children and grandchildren's performances, graduations, awards ceremonies and was even an assistant little league coach; he was a proud supporter to everyone.

Arnold was affectionately known as "Dad," and "Grandpa" by his children and grandchildren, "Buddy buddy buddy" by his caretaker George, and "Arnie" by literally everyone else, including his loving wife Barbara and his devoted caretaker Beka, who enjoyed cooking for him.

Arnold passed away in his home on September 16, 2025, after a full 88 years (enough for a full keyboard!) of living with a full heart all along. Arnold was a witty, knowledgeable, force to be reckoned with, and the stories he's told and the advice he's given will live on.

It is encouraged that attendees of the funeral wear blue in honor of Arnold's blue eyes.