Richard “Dick” Oliver Arnold

Wellsville, NY - Richard “Dick” Oliver Arnold, 77, died December 30, 2008 at Jones Memorial Hospital with loved ones at his side. He was born in Buffalo on November 13, 1931 the son of Virginia B. (Beebe) Palmer; his adoptive parents were Oliver L. and Ruth B. (Merrick) Arnold. He attended school in Wellsville. On November 28, 1952 he married Adah M. McCarthy who predeceased him on May 12, 2007.

Dick was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division, 27th Wolfhound Regiment Second Battalion. He enlisted in the Army November 16, 1948, trained with the 17th Airborne Division, Camp Pickett, Virginia. He also served in Alaska and Canada. During his military service he received many awards, including the Bronze Star with a “V” and a Purple Heart.

He was employed at the Village of Wellsville, Water & Light Department and retired June 14, 1989 as the Electric Superintendent. He was also a member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department; Genesee Hose Company # 5.

He is survived by four children, Jolene, Charlene, Dennis and Marlene, a sister, Janice D. Weatherby, two brothers, Robert O. and Walter “Ike” Arnold, several nieces & nephews and many and loyal friends. In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by a sister, Vaudine R. King, a son, Ricky Arnold, a daughter, Christine and a brother, Bruce M. Beebe.

At Dick’s request there will be no prior visitation; a private burial with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville at a later date. Memorial suggestions include the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-0631