ALBANY - Donald F. Arnold, Sr., passed from this life unexpectedly, at home, on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the age of 79.

Don was born in Rochester, NY to Frederick and Irene Arnold. He grew up in Rochester and was a 1962 graduate of Franklin High School. Don went on to receive a degree from Alfred State, University at Albany and a PhD from the University of Buffalo. It was during his first week in Albany that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Arnold. They married in 1967 and built an amazing life together in Albany, where they loved and raised their three children, Donald Jr., Kelli and Erin and created a lifelong community of friends.

Don and Betty enjoyed many adventures and traveling, including living for a year in Galway, Ireland and as snow birds in New Port Richey, FL. He not only enjoyed traveling but reveled in coordinating trips for others with complimentary “Arnold Tour” services. Friends, family, and church groups all benefited from Don’s impeccable travel plans and guides. He loved Ireland, cruises, New England bed and breakfasts and family trips to Rockport.

Don opened this heart and home to many. Don and Betty’s home in Colonie was an open door to many. Aside from the many neighbors and friends always stopping in, they also hosted visitors from near and far. All were welcome to stay at “The Arnold’s” (friends of friends, exchange students, professors and their families and the fresh air kids). He strongly believed in volunteerism and lent his business planning skills to many non for profit entities, such as Prince of Peace Church, St John’s Lutheran Church, United Lutheran Seminary, Colonie High School Key Club, the Fresh Air Fund, and several homeowners associations. He enthusiastically jumped in to help anyone in need.

Don had a passion for teaching and academics and served as a professor at the University of Albany, Union Graduate College and Northeastern University. He was a much beloved advisor and mentor to Ph.D. students, all of whom went on to positions in academia and international accounting firms. His dedication to helping them advance in their careers was indicative of his extraordinary kindness and generosity. He will be remembered by his fellow faculty members as a productive scholar, wise mentor, and joyful colleague who always brought out the best in all those with whom he came into contact. Although he received many accolades and awards for his research and academic achievements, his true passion was his students and helping them reach their personal and professional goals in any way that he could.

Family was truly the center of Don’s life, there was nothing that brought him greater joy than being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was the loving husband of 55 years to Betty Arnold who passed away just six month ago; loving father of Donald F. Arnold, Jr., Kelli (Gene Basle) Arnold and Erin (Graig) LeBel; cherished Opa of Aiden LeBel; brother of the late Terry Arnold whose wife Sue survives; brother-in-law of the late William “Bill” Fitzgerald whose wife Linda survives; Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service for Don will be celebrated by Pastor Amber Craig on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10 am in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 4 Northcrest Drive, Clifton Park, NY. The Rite of Committal and interment will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Colonie, NY where the Reverend Francis O’Connor will officiate. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Don’s family on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 4 until 7 pm at the Bowen & Parker Brothers Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Home Instead for providing wonderful support and care to Don. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Buffalo Foundation, in memory of Don Arnold, https://buffalo.edu/campaign/donaldarnold or UB Foundation, PO Box 900, Buffalo, NY 14226-0900

To leave a message a message of sympathy for the Arnold family and for driving directions please visit www.bowenandparkerbros.com