Richard E. “Rick” Arnold, age 57 years, of Clinton Township, NJ, died suddenly on Monday, July 3, 2017 at his home.

Born in East Orange, NJ, September 20, 1959, son of Edmund and Elvira Potthast Arnold of Clinton Township, Rick or “Ricky” as he is know to everyone, had resided in Clinton Township to assist his parents since 1996, having formerly lived in Piscataway, NJ and Alpha, NJ.

Growing up in Irvington, NJ, Rick was a 1977 graduate of Irvington High School. Following high school, he went to work with his father at “Arnold & Sons Furniture,” located in Irvington. It was there that Rick perfected what would become his lifelong craft, along with spending many happy days working alongside and learning from his father.

After a stroke left his father unable to work in early 1990 and the business had to close for a period of time, Rick reopened the business in 1991 as “Allwoods Furniture Finishing/Refinishing,” also in Irvington, and operated that until in closed in 1997. He most recently went back to his craft the past few months, working with his cousin, Glenn, who opened “Arnolds Furniture,” again based in Irvington.

Rick was very proud of his work and was extremely meticulous. Over the years he was entrusted with many precious familial heirlooms which he was able to restore much to his customer’s delight. He also enjoyed building, and many pieces of beautiful furniture are enjoyed by his family.

A humble man, Rick was steadfast in his opinions and you always knew where you stood with him. He was very caring and loyal and if you were his friend, he would be by your side though anything.

He was extremely devoted to his family; being a loving husband and father was his world. He also was devoted to helping take care of his parents. His son, Adam, remembers many fond memories when his father coached his little league team; that sentiment of love has already been shared by many of Adam’s childhood friends since his sudden passing by many recalling that Rick was everyone’s “Dad.”

Rick was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Edward R. Baker in 2016.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his loving wife of twenty-seven years, Susan Jean Baker Arnold, with whom he joined hands in marriage on September 22, 1989; his son Adam Arnold and his fiance, Dayna Morrison of Lebanon, NJ; his sister, Linda Arnold and her fiance, David Harry of Raritan Township, NJ; his brother and sister-in-law, Ralf and Beverly Arnold of Toms River, NJ; his mother-in-law, Helen M. Pitula Baker of East Rutherford, NJ; his uncles, Julius and his wife, Helga Arnold and Helmut Arnold; his brother-in-law, Bruce and his wife, Mary Baker; his sister-in-law, Nancy and her husband, Danny Megaro; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920 under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the Chapel in Basking Ridge on Wednesday morning between 10:15-10:25 a.m.

Following the service, cremation will be private.

Rick will lie in repose on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home where family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

Please visit Rick’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United States War Dogs Association, 1313 Mt. Holly Road, Burlington, NJ 08016. This organization helps military dogs and the veterans and active duty military personnel who rely on them for so many things.