Senate Resolution No. 1285

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Robert John Arnold,
distinguished citizen, beloved husband, father, and
grandfather, and respected community member

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and
throughout this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Robert John Arnold of Carmel, New York, died on August 18,
2025, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to family,
public service, and faith; and

WHEREAS, Born on July 12, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, to Robert
and Nastasia (Nettie) Arnold, Robert J. Arnold, affectionately known as
Bob, led a life defined by devotion to family, a tireless work ethic,
and deep compassion for others; and

WHEREAS, After honorably serving for two years in the United States
Merchant Marines, Bob Arnold joined New York State Electric and Gas
(NYSEG) in 1960, where he built a respected 39-year career as a lineman,
retiring in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and
service, Bob Arnold earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Pace
University in 1999 and began a second career as an addiction treatment
counselor at St. Christopher's Inn in Garrison, New York, where he
worked until 2005 and continued to volunteer through 2008; and

WHEREAS, A man of deep and abiding faith, Bob Arnold was a devoted
parishioner of St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel, New York, and
lived out his values through service to others and unconditional love
for his family; and

WHEREAS, On August 18, 1962, Bob Arnold married the love of his
life, the former Carol Frances Dolan, at Saint Francis of Assisi Church
in Mount Kisco, New York; together they shared 57 years of marriage and
raised three children: Melissa, Noreen, and Matthew; and

WHEREAS, Bob and Carol Arnold treasured traveling together, visiting
destinations near and far including Cape Cod, Bermuda, Ireland, Italy,
and France, and shared a special tradition of visiting The Red Lion Inn
in Stockbridge, Massachusetts every December; and

WHEREAS, Bob Arnold found joy in exploring his family's genealogy,
celebrating his heritage, and cherishing time with his grandchildren;
and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his beloved wife Carol in 2020, Robert J.
Arnold is survived by his loving children, Melissa Della Posta (Joseph),
Noreen Gill, and Matthew Arnold; his seven grandchildren, Natalie,
Daniel, and Ethan Della Posta, Nyla and Emma Gill, and Hannah and Jacob

Arnold; his brother, Richard (Kathy) Arnold and sister, Deborah Arnold;
and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Arnold's life was a testament to selfless
service, the strength of family, and a faithful heart, and his memory
will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert John Arnold, noting his purposeful life and
generous spirit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert John Arnold.