A native of New London, he was born on July 7, 1935, the son of William G. and Grace B. (Platt) Arnold.
He graduated in 1953 from the former Chapman Technical High School and studied trombone at the Hartt School of Music.
Mr. Arnold performed with the 774th Air Force Band in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1955 until 1958. He then enlisted into the United States Coast Guard Academy Band in New London, CT until his retirement as Senior Chief Musician in 1981. Mr. Arnold distinguished himself as a principal trombonist with the concert band and served as trombonist with the Coast Guard Dance Band and as leader of the Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band.
Post retirement from his military career, Mr. Arnold was a trombonist with the Chic Cicchetti Hartford Jazz Orchestra and The Dick Campo Big Band. By far, the gig that brought him the most enjoyment was his nearly 35 year long run with the Freight Train Dixieland Jazz Band at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT.
Mr. Arnold was also employed for over 50 years for Hendel's Inc. He was a long standing member of the Brainard Lodge No. 102 A.F. & A.M. and the Sphinx Temple Shriners. He also was a member of Local 285 Musicians Union.
He is survived by his wife, Grace (nee DiMaggio); his daughter, Darlene Young of Norwich, CT; his son, Eric P. Arnold and his wife Beth Arnold of Hebron, CT; his brother, William G. Arnold, Jr., of Lake Worth, FL and aunt Virginia Shook formally of New London, CT. He was the beloved Gamps to his 6 grandchildren, Jessica Taylor (nee Langley) and her husband Andrew Taylor of New York City, Kevin Langley of Norwich, CT, Lauren, Stephen, Ryan and Adam Arnold of Hebron, CT.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 24th from 5-8pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/. To sign the online guest book visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com.
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