Raymond Arnold Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Raymond H. Arnold of Yorktown Heights passed away on June 5, 2020. Ray was born April 10, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY to Raymond E. and Anna Arnold. He married Alice M. Cushing on January 30, 1954. Ray and Alice were stationed overseas where they began their 61 year marriage. He served honorably in the United States Army from January 1954 to January 1957. In 1962, they moved to Yorktown. Ray was the Town of Yorktown's first Director of Planning. He served the Town under several administrations from 1963 until 1987. He prepared the Town's first Master Plan, adopted in 1970. He saw many changes take place in the Town during that time, including the development of the Jefferson Valley Mall. After he retired from Civil Service, he worked for Golden Knight Limousine Service for 15 years, chauffeuring people. The thing he enjoyed most about this job was his interaction with the people he met. As a child, his mother enrolled him in choir to keep him out of trouble and he carried the gift of song with him for life. He had a deep, rich voice that resonated wherever he went. People knew he was near, because they heard his song first. An annual favorite were his renditions of Galway Bay and Danny Boy, which bespoke his Irish heritage. He always encouraged others to sing along. Ray was raised on Warren Street in Brooklyn and although he moved, his heart never really left Brooklyn. His family was the center of his life. Everyone loved his big heart, smile, and humor; they knew he was always ready for a party. He frequently hosted celebrations at home, cheekily named the Arnold Beach and Tennis club, and could be counted on to attend most any gathering. Ray embodied the idea that family shows up for each other. He collected friends along the way, and made a yearly pilgrimage to Marco Island, Florida to soak up the sunsets. He is survived by 3 daughters Ann Cutignola (Steve), Eileen Grabosky (Fred), and Mary Arnold, son Raymond J. Arnold (Ann) and brother Kenneth Arnold (Rosemarie). He is also survived by 7 grandchildren Lauren, Steven (Victoria), Kevin, Kimberly (Blake), Fred, Raymond, and Lena, and 2 great grandchildren Isabella and Bodhi. Ray was predeceased by his wife Alice on April 5, 2016 and his sister, Claire Ficarra. They will know he is on his way to heaven when they hear his familiar song.

Tributes

Raymond Arnold

April 10, 1932 - June 5, 2020