Arnold G. Black

Arnold Black, 93 passed from earth to reward peacefully on February 2, 2026 at home after a long illness. He is the Son of the late Berresford Black and Wilhel (Anglin) Black. He was predeceased by his loving Wife of 54 years Willie-Mae Jackson -Black and Son Terance Black, four brothers, Noel, Edwin, William and Charlie and two sisters, Gladys and Mae. Arnold is survived by his children, Carol, Robert, Vernon (Cynthia), Ronald Sr. (Vencileta) and Sherrona "Shay" (Stasha), a Sister Joyce Hibbert and her late Husband Dennis. He was the grandfather of twelve and great-grandfather of nine. He leaves behind a host of special Nieces,Nephews , Cousins and Friends who adored him. Notably, Charlie King, Arnold's devoted friend who would visit or call him daily right to the end.

Arnold came to the United States from his native Jamaica at the age of twenty-two and was employed at Consolidated Tobacco in Suffield, CT from 1955-1958. Away from home for the first time, Arnold made sure he would send whatever amount of money he could back home to his family. Arnold went back home briefly in 1959 unsure if continuing to work in the U.S, was his calling. Eventually, he closed down his storefront and returned to the U.S. eager to succeed.

In 1960, fate would have it that Arnold and Willie Mae were introduced to each other by her cousin, Carrie Mae in Springfield, MA. They were joined in holy matrimony on October 28,1961. After a brief stay in Springfield the family moved to New Britain, CT.

Arnold was employed at Emhart Machinery in New Britain, Ct from 1962-1966. During these years he worked hard to gain his citizenship which he accomplished in 1964.

During these times Arnold and Willie Mae would take in Family members from the South and abroad to help them establish a new life in the U.S. In 1966, Arnold went to tractor trailer school and got his "dream job" as a truck driver for Stop and Shop in North Haven CT. After 29 years Arnold retired in 1995 and received the distinct honor of being a "Million Mile Driver". He also utilized his CDL License as a Charter Bus Driver for Dattco Bus Company in New Britain from the early 1960's to mid 1990s. Arnold was an avid UConn Women's Basketball and Connecticut Sun Fan and as well as the New York Yankees. He enjoyed attending games whenever possible or, making an effort to check the schedule for televised games.

But nothing brought him as much joy, than being a supporter of his grandchildren's events. From Awards Banquets and Graduations, to National Track Meets and Football games in North Carolina and Florida, his commitment didn't go unappreciated.

Arnold began his Cricket career with the Success Cricket Club in his native Jamaica, where he was a member for two years and served as the team's youngest captain.

When Arnold left the island for the United States, he did not play cricket again for the next four years, but this changed in 1963, when he joined the Sportmen's Athletic Club. Deciding that he wanted to stretch the sport of cricket a little further out of the boundaries of Hartford, he founded the New Britain Social Club in 1969 with seven other dedicated members. Arnold was the last Surviving Member. The club had humble beginnings as it was located in the basement of his Green Street home in which he lived until his passing.

New Britain Social Club has had a longstanding relationship with the Community Cricket Club of Toronto, Canada. They have been playing against each other since 1971. New Britain has also played a number of years against the Montreal Cricket Club. Arnolds role in the New Britain Social Club, ranged from president for six years, vice president for two years and captain for one year, as the club's Sports Coordinator.

His many credentials include 2003, his Induction into The Connecticut Cricket Hall of Fame, 2011 Proclamation from the city of New Britain along with his Wife. , and was a recipient of the McClane Photography 2020 CT. Men of Black History Month Recognition.

A celebration of Arnold's life will be held on Friday (February 13, 2026) 11 AM in the Spottswood AME Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, a viewing will be from 10AM to 11AM at the church.

Committal service and burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St. New Britain.

Shaker-Hill Funeral Home has care of arrangements.

To share a memory of Arnold or to express condolences to the Black family, please visit www.shakerfuneralhome.com.