Alfred A. Arnold

Alfred (Al) A. Arnold, of Union, N.J., passed away on November 19, 2024. He was born in Jersey City on June 15, 1938 to August and Lillian Arnold. He graduated from Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Law School. Upon graduation, he was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1964. After completing a clerkship with Ravin and Ravin, he entered military service in the U.S. Army and served active duty for two years before being honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

He practiced law for more than 50 years, and his love for and pride in his work inspired all four of his children to follow in his footsteps. His career focused on real estate and workers’ compensation law. He was a charter member and a Master in the Workers’ Compensation Inns of Court, having also served as a past president of the Workers’ Compensation Association of New Jersey. He argued two landmark cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court. In Heckman vs. J.C.P. & L., the decision interpreted the 1980 amendments to the compensation charts. The other noteworthy case was Ansede vs. National Gypsum, which provided further insights into the occupational disease law of New Jersey. At the culmination of his career, he was honored by the Workers’ Compensation Section of the New Jersey Bar with the Jack O’Brien Award, which is awarded to attorneys whose careers have been distinguished by the highest degree of professionalism.

He met the love of his life, Judy, in 1957, and they have been inseparable ever since. After marrying in 1963, they settled in Union and spent the next 61 years raising a family together. An active member of his church and community, Al served as a lector and Eucharistic minister at Holy Spirit Church for decades, and he is a past president of the Holy Name Society and the Parish Council there. He also served as a counselor for the law merit badge for the Boy Scouts of the Watchung Council, and he was one of the

founders of the Rebel Softball League of Union Township. He was a member of the Union Township Board of Education for six years.

He is survived by his daughter, Marie, and his three sons, Ed, Chris, and Rich, as well as their spouses, David Kapner, Keri Arnold, Laurie Smith, and Kristie Arnold. Nothing brought Al more pride and joy than watching his children grow and succeed, both professionally and personally, and his world was complete when the grandchildren began to arrive. Emma and Eric Kapner, Kayleigh and Erin Arnold, Kyle Arnold, and Macey and Maddy Arnold were, individually and collectively, the apple of their grandfather’s eye. Close behind was his love for his granddogs, Rex, Paley, Peggy, Angus, Aubrey, Winnie, Cooper and Jax.

Al was beloved by all who knew him. He was a shining example of a husband, father, and grandfather, and the humor and unconditional love he brought into this world will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the McCracken Funeral Home on Thursday November 21, 2024 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday November 22, 2024 at Holy Spirit Church at 10:30am. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Alfred's memory.

Fond memories, expressions of sympathy or condolence messages may be shared at

www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Arnold family.