SALEM - Lt. Richard L. Arno, 90, retired City of Salem Firefighter, beloved husband of Shirley A. (Horsman) Arno, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late James and Josephine (Bertuccio) Arno. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School.

An honorably discharged veteran, Richard proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Prior to his stint with the Air Force, he had been a member of the United States Navy.

Upon returning from his military duty, Richard spent several years in the construction business working for Mazzaglia & Grasso Construction as a mason.  He found his calling with the City of Salem Fire Department where he embodied the values of bravery and community. He worked his way through the ranks ultimately attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Richard took great pride in his ability to help others during difficult times, always putting others safety before his own.

Richard took joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman, frequently taking trips to Pittsburg, NH where he found peace by the water, searching for moose and creating lasting memories. Richard enjoyed gardening, especially his prized tomatoes, took great pride cultivating his pristine lawn and cooking for his family. He was proud of his Italian heritage and was member of the Padre Lavori Club and the Vitorri-Rocci Post. Ultimately what brought Richard his greatest joy was his family. He was immensely proud of his children and their many accomplishments and when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, they became a huge part of his everyday life. He was truly happiest when surrounded by them and involved in their many activities. Richard will be forever remembered for his bravery, his service to his community and the love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving Richard, in addition to his wife Shirley with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, is his son, retired Salem Firefighter Richard Arno Jr. and his wife, Pamela of Salem, his daughters, Deborah Arno of Salem and Valerie Maddocks and her husband, Harold of Southern Maine, his grandchildren, Amanda Caron and her husband, Michael of Bedford, NH, Alison Ospina and her husband, Francisco of Salem, Nicholas Arno and his wife, Lauren MacMurdo of Georgetown, and Jessica Leone and her husband, Carlo of Danvers, his great grandchildren, Emilia, Ellie, Francisco, Santiago, Jaxson, Michael and Brooklynn, his brother-in-law, William McKinnon of Danvers and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Joseph Arno, Eleanor Gaudette, Ann Casellini, and Adele McKinnon.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Richard's funeral which will be held from O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at 9 AM followed by his funeral Mass at St. James Church, Federal St., Salem at 10 AM. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Thursday, January 23rd from 4 to 7 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Richard's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/