Francis Arnold, 85, of Sandisfield entered eternal rest on December 12, 2021, at Fairview Hospital.
Francis was born October 15, 1936, in Staten Island, New York to his late parents, Charlotte and Lothar Arnold. Upon high school graduation from St. Augustine Academy in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S Navy and became a Boiler Technician on the SS Northampton CC1, where in three years he traveled the seven Great Seas of the world — a magnificent journey for a 21-year-old. Francis received an honorable discharge in 1957 and became an apprentice brewer for Kueger Brewery in New Jersey, until it closed in 1963. He then joined his parents’ business in Staten Island.
Upon his father’s death, in 1967, Francis and his mother moved to their home in Sandisfield. The city life had vanished, as he found pleasure raising chickens, ducks, and goats on their nine-acre property. He became thoroughly in touch in nature.
After the birth of his two daughters, he owned and operated his own landscaping business. In 1987, he was employed as the Visceral Supervisor at Fairview Hospital, where he met his future wife, Judi, in 1989. They were married in 1990 at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Sheffield, by Reverend Fredrick Heberle. Together they traveled for the next 20 years throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Following his retirement in 2006, Francis self-constructed greenhouses and opened White Birch Flower Farm. For many years, each August, family and friends would gather at Francis and Judi’s home in Sandisfield for an outdoor Mass officiated by their dear friend Reverend Anthony Collen (Father Tony), in celebration of their anniversary, where beauty and love was shared. Francis was a humble, hardworking, energetic man with a witty sense of humor.
Francis is predeceased by his parents Charlotte and Lothar Arnold. He is survived by his loving wife Judith Arnold, his daughters Bernadette Tyler (Michael Tyler), and Renee Lessard (Luc Lessard), his grandsons Ashton Tyler and Lucas Lessard, and his extended stepfamily William Snyder, Melissa Allen, and several step-grandchildren.
Birches-Roy Funeral home will oversee all arrangements. Per Francis’ wishes, no calling hours will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory should be made to the Sandisfield Fire Department in care of Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. A funeral will be held Thursday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church in Otis, MA officiated by Father Brain McGrath. Interment to follow at the Sandisfield Cemetery. Condolences may be made through the Birches-Roy website.
