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BORN
1987
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Nicholas Arntsen Obituary
He was born on Oct. 19, 1987, as a most precious gift from God.
He will be forever adored by his mother, Taryn Macary; his father, Peter Arntsen; his sisters, Marie Elisabeth and her husband, Matthew Mierzejewski, Suzanne Leata and her husband, Paul Bilodeau, Julia Eve and her fiancé, Mike Gearing, Mariah Dawn; his brothers, Peter Francis and Michael Thomas; his step-mother, Linda Rauscher; his step-father, Reginald Osterhoudt; his nieces, Madelyn Rose and Mary Olivia; his nephews, Peter Joseph, Thomas Gabriel, Noah Keith, and Jean-David Paul; extended family; and so many friends.
His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St., Wallingford. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Laurent Church at 121 Camp St., Meriden. Burial services will follow at St. Laurent Cemetery in Meriden. For anyone who would like to send flowers in honor of Nicholas, the family is expressing a special preference for yellow roses.
www.wallingfordfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Arntsen
Rainbow Center at rally after CT passed marriage equality
October 7, 2014
Lauren Millerd
October 7, 2014
I remember when Nick and I were on the front page of the Hartford Courant following the rally celebrating gay marriage in Hartford with the rest of the Rainbow Center - one of the best memories from college, and I'm glad I got to spend it with him. He will truly be missed.
Nancy Schmeidler
September 23, 2014
I do not think words exist that can adequately describe the beautiful soul that was Nick. In the brief time that I shared with him, he touched me deeply. I will always remember his smile and will love him and miss him for the rest of my days. Rest in peace. ??
Dianna Greiner
September 23, 2014
Nick and I used to pick on each other at the Y when Pete worked with me there. He was a good kid then and even though I didn't see him much after he grew up, from what I read he was a wonderful man. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Virginia Gilmour
September 21, 2014
Dear Suzanne,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am Danielle Gilmour's mother, and she has told me so many beautiful things about you and I hope to meet you some day. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and ask God to uphold you during this very difficult time.
September 20, 2014
Nick, Until we meet again.
Monique Torres
September 20, 2014
Nick was a beautiful, shining light, with so much more to give that this world will never get to see. He is with God now. Heaven needed him more. For the family, here is a link to "I'll See You Again," a beautiful song by Westlife. http://youtu.be/P7IbQyG9PL4
It fits the way everyone felt about Nick.
Autumn Alston
September 19, 2014
Nick was probably the smartest
Guy I knew at UCONN. And I mean that. We were both political science students but he was a few years older than me. I can now say that I definitely looked up to him.
I thought I was smart and knowledgable but Nick really was brilliant. He was like a walking encyclopedia! Our passions for politics, the law, and Justice, gave us a special connection. I had so many great debates with Nick!
He could have an intimidating presence but only because he was so intelligent. He was always nice and had the best smile ! You could tell that he genuinely cared about the world around him and the people that encompass it.
This loss truly hurts because of the shining star that Nick was. He had already done so much good and only had so much more left to do. I will carry Nick's spirit wherever I go. As a current writer, I can only keep striving to be as eloquent and gifted with words as Nick was. He was so well read. I remember going to his dorm one night because we lived in the same complex. It looked like a Harvard professor's dorm!
He was such a gentle soul and so poised yet funny. My good friend Darren reminded me of how obsessed Nick was with Willow Smith's song "whip my hair" when it first came out! Hahà that was a funny reminder of how cool Nick was.
My thoughts are with his family and fellow friends, and may he finally be at peace.
Jennifer MacDougall
September 18, 2014
Nick, I remember when you made the front page of the Courant, back in 2009! Your thesis and all of your writing was brilliant, insightful, compassionate. You had a huge smile that turned on a bright light in every room. "And I know you're shining down on me from heaven, like so many friends we've lost along the way. And I know we'll all be together, One Sweet Day." May God bless you and hold you in His arms forever.
September 18, 2014
It is so hard to put into the appropriate words that would fully convey how sorry I am for all of Nick's family and friends for such a heartbreaking loss. With an amazing smile and a heart of gold and so silly, he will be truly missed. Rest peacefully Nicky Sandy Perkins
Renee Bell
September 18, 2014
Nick's smile could light up a room here on earth--I can just imagine how wide and glorious it must be in Heaven! I am praying for all of you. I love you Paul & Suzanne.
Garrett Cottrell
September 18, 2014
Nick, it is hard to articulate in words how much you meant to me. Our trip to NYC, shopping trips to Westfarms and your trip to Washington DC this summer still brings a smile to my face. I am going to miss your infectious smile and all of your entertaining stories.
My heart goes out to your family and friends in this difficult time. I offer my sincere condolences to all.
You will never be forgotten. I hope your soul is at rest.
Love,
~Garrett
Doreen Yanelli
September 18, 2014
Our prayers are with your family. May the Lord give you strength and comfort, and may Nick have eternal peace. Fondly, The Yanelli Family
Taylor Fitzgerald
September 18, 2014
My heart is broken...a bright, beautiful light in my life has gone. To Nick's family, we met at UConn and stayed close ever since...his enormous heart, beautiful and vivacious spirit are what I will always remember. I loved him so much, and I'm so very sorry that we've lost him. I know he is making everyone smile and laugh in heaven. My deepest sympathy, and I will pray for your comfort at this tragic time.
Luis Vega
September 18, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Nick,.. Your already terribly missed. We met each other working at friendlys years ago. I'm so happy that you and oz reconnected again and we got to share great laughs and memories with you. I I have my fav pic I have of you that resembles Andy Cohen. I'll cherish it forever. It hurts to not see you now, but we will meet agin my friend. We all love you.
Kristin Ceneviva
September 17, 2014
"Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes, because for those who love with their heart and soul, there is no separation." - Rumi
My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the Arntsen family. May Nick's never-fading smile and loving personality continue to shine on us from above.
Emma Anderson
September 17, 2014
From the younger years playing man hunt in the neighborhood to singing in chorus and footloose in high school, getting rides home from school and my father yelling at nick for driving on the wrong side of the island in the road. Every memory I have with nick will always bring a smile to my face. I wish more then anything that I was able to have one more moment with him.. My prayers and love are with his family and I hope that nick finds peace and happiness now because he brought so much happiness to so many people. That is something he deserves. I love you nick and will forever miss you! Shine on and keep on singing!
Debbie Landry
September 17, 2014
Dear Suzanne and the entire Arntsen family, We are so saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. We know your pain and pray you find strength in each other. May your precious memories of dear Nick carry you through the days, months and years to come. Love is a powerful thing. It will help you get through the unimaginable.
Sarah Hampson
September 17, 2014
I met Nick while studying together with him as graduate students at UConn - we shared the same advisor. I remember being struck by his warmth and passion for social justice as soon as I met him. I was also so impressed by his intelligence and felt he had a huge contribution to make to research and activism in social justice for the LGBT community. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Sari Molesky
September 17, 2014
A beautiful light has gone out of our sight, but I am sure it shines brighter than ever in our hearts. Sending you all my love and prayers.
Osvaldo Nazario
September 17, 2014
Nick words cannot express how much you will be missed and how much you were truly loved! I first met you at friendlys many years ago and we were friends ever since! I'm going to miss your jokes, your smile and great sense of humor. I thank you so much for all the wonderful memories we shared, your priceless text messages and our endless FaceTime conversations. I will never forget our last sleepover not even a month ago :0) we rented movies, ordered pizza and hung out till the sun came up! Nick You were a truly special person and I thank you for allowing me to be one of your close friends. You will never be forgotten. I love you!!!!!
To nicks family, I am so sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to all of you! Nick was such a beautiful person, and he brought smiles and laughs anywhere he went. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Robyn Jackson
September 17, 2014
Marie is a friend of mine here in Charlottesville, Virginia. I only met Nick once, but was struck by his warmth and beauty. You are all in my prayers.
Rita R. Longo
September 17, 2014
To Peter, Taryn & Family,
"The heart remembers most what it has loved best." May the love and the joyful memories you shared remain eternal gifts that stay. Forever.
With my deepest condolences,
Rita Longo
(Stephanie Romano's Grandmother.)
jae c.
September 17, 2014
Although I did not know him personally, I have known his sister Julia for many years. I pray for peace for the entire family, as well as friends who knew Nick.
My condolences for all who knew and loved him.
Mike & Laurel Caprio
September 17, 2014
Dear Peter, Linda, and the Arntsen family, Laurel & I were very distressed to learn of Nicholas passing. Although we didn't know him personally, we are sure he was a wonderful son and will be sorely missed.
Abi Kennedy
September 17, 2014
Nick, I hope you know how much you were loved and will be missed. I wish I could see you one more time. You were a light unlike any others, and one that I so loved being around. We had an instant connection, and I'm thankful you trusted me with so much during our years knowing each other. I pray your soul is at peace.
To Nick's family, I am sorry for your loss. I was Nick's supervisor for 1 semester at UConn but we were friends long after. I am heartbroken and cannot imagine your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brett Storey
September 17, 2014
Although I was not very close to Nick as many, I still saw him every day in high school and said hello each day. He was adored and loved by so many. Always had a smile on his face when I talked to him. Nick was a very talented person, singing and acting. I am honored to have been a friend to Nick and he will be forever missed and loved. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Arntsen family. I'll miss ya buddy!
John
September 17, 2014
To know you was to love you. You were the kindest and sweetest person I have ever known. Thank you for all the beautiful memories that I have of you, that I will treasure in my heart forever.
Jeff Leonard
September 17, 2014
Peter and Family,
I send my sincerest condolences, and have asked for God's grace to comfort you all.
Dom Tromans
September 17, 2014
I was really shocked and saddened by this news. I knew Nick at college and he was one of the most lively and funny guys around. So sorry for your loss.
Nick is with other UConn students celebrating marriage equality in CT.
Fleurette King
September 17, 2014
I miss the numerous discussions and debates on social and political issues with Nick. The beauty was being able to be honest about our opinions. We never sugar-coated truth. And, we would still departing from the encounter with laughter, love and respect. This is a true gift. He was always seeking ways to make the world better.
"It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, "Wait on time.”
? Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
We must keep his spirit alive. Sincerely, Flo King
Barbara Disbrow
September 17, 2014
Dear Peter and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I understand from others that he was a beautiful being. Please accept my condolences.
Anonymous
September 17, 2014
Loving God, author of life and love,
As the light of dawn begins to fill the sky,
We pray that you will fill us with your holy light.
Guides us this day, and help our lives be a mirror of your love.
Give us the wisdom and judgment we need to be of service to you, to one another, to our family, and to your people.
Give strength to weather any clouds that may darken our paths,
And bring us home to rest in Your arms at days end.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord,
Amen
Mike Pohl
September 17, 2014
Very sad, Nick was one of the reasons that I decided to change careers and go into teaching. I will never forget him. To Nick's family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom and Wendy Gearing
September 17, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Arntsen family at this most difficult time. Fond memories will strengthen you in time. Nick was a beautiful person inside and out. He will be sorely missed.
Carl Dearborn
September 16, 2014
So saddened by this news. Nicholas is of the most kind and beautiful people I know. He is in my thoughts all the time and I will never forget him or his beautiful smile.
Seth Halpern
September 16, 2014
My first love and a lasting friendship. I will cherish every moment I had with Nick as long as I live.
Leslie Apostalon
September 16, 2014
Nick was a charmer in my French class. My condolences to his family.
September 16, 2014
“Beauty exists not in what is seen and remembered, but in what is felt and never forgotten.” ? Johnathan Jena
Your smile will never be forgotten...
Chris & Marge Banach
September 16, 2014
Victor Frankl said: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." We can all participate in the kindness project on
http://www.missfoundation.org/support/kindness
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now and in the months to come.
Linda Rauscher
September 16, 2014
You will be missed Nicholas!
Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. ~William Wordsworth
I am praying that we all find the strength!
September 16, 2014
A beautiful voice taken too soon
Jena Biondino
September 16, 2014
I will miss Nick's sense of humor, energy, passion and smile. He craved love and affection from everyone, and we all loved him in return. Rest peacefully.
My deepest sympathy to the Arntsen family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Sep
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5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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