ROBERT ARNOLD

1927 - 2022

ARNOLD--Robert Eugene. New York, NY, died At 94, on January 28, 2022. He (Bob) was predeceased by his parents, Edwin Anson Arnold and Althea Stiglets Arnold. And a brother Byron. He is survived by niece, Evelyn Arnold, nephews, Edwin Anson Arnold and Richard Christopher Arnold, his beloved partner, Richard LePore of White Plains, NY and his personal friend and caregiver Jaya Pulami. Bob was born November 8, 1927, in Mobile, Alabama. Bob was a graduate of the University of Alabama. Upon moving to New York City, his music studies continued at Columbia University and New York University. He mentored in piano and organ under Rosina Lhevinne, Charles Courboin, Marcel Dupre and Nadia Boulanger. In 1950, Bob became the associate organist and choirmaster of Trinity Church in New York City. He served for 18 years. During which time he became a technical consultant on new organ placement with the Schlicker Organ Co. in Buffalo, NY. Bob was also an organist for the Musica Aeterna Concerts and the Edward Downey lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bob made organ appearances with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the NY Philharmonic, the New York Pro Musica and the NBC Opera Orchestra. As an organist, he worked with conductors Robert Shaw, Arturo Toscanini, Leonard Bernstein, Noah Greenberg and others, including on RCA and Decca recordings. From 1976 to 1981, Bob served as a director of Long Island's Brookhaven School of Music. He later continued on as a teacher of piano and organ with several community arts and music organizations in Brookhaven. Since 1968, he has served as an Organist and choir director at Trinity St. Paul's Church, New Rochelle, NY, until July 2004. Bob was a member of the American Guild of Organists and served on their executive committee. He held professional membership in the Music Teachers National Association, the Guild of Community School of the Arts and the American Federation of Musicians. Bob was widely traveled having visited India, Europe, Asia and Oceania. His faithful ministry and devoted artistry have enhanced the liturgy and provided a musical focus for worship and for the life of the community for close to forty years, Robert has shared generously of his time and talent in the service of God. Robert's family ancestry has its roots in colonial Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Friends and acquaintances are invited to a memorial celebration of the life of Robert Arnold to be held on March 19, 2022, Saturday, 10:30 AM at Trinity St. Paul Episcopal Church, 311 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801.