Arnold A. Shivonen

Arnold A. Sihvonen, 84, of Yeomans Rd, Columbia passed away at Douglas Manor Sunday, January 30, surrounded by his family. Arnold was born October 28th, 1926 in New York City, the son of Antti and Aina Sihvonen. He and his two brothers were ambitious entrepreneurs as young lads. Each had their own shoe-shine box and a wagon built by their father. They worked hard shining shoes, and collecting and recycling waste paper to earn money to go to the movies on Saturdays for 5 cents. Arnold learned to play the accordion at age 3, entertaining at the local Finnish Community Hall. In his teens, his family moved to Connecticut where they owned a home on Pachaug Pond. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Navy. After the war he attended Boston University and earned his degree in Communications. Upon graduation, he began his career as a social worker for the State of CT. There he met Dorothy Squier, who was to become his wife. After several years, he took a position with Aetna Life and Casualty, but eventually returned to the work he loved most, his social work assisting the elderly. During this time, Arnold was a member of a team that planned and established the first CT Daycare Center for the Elderly. He was also a member of the Columbia Congregational Church and served on the stewardship committee for years. Occasionally, he would give a lay sermon to the congregation. He also worked with and was an ardent supporter of the Columbia Public Library. Arnold loved fishing, boating, dancing, painting, photography and his time spent vacationing on the coast of Maine. When his children were young, he'd take them on weekend excursions down unexplored roads, stopping at culverts to have them jump out and see if there were any trolls living there. His daughters were always delighted and ever hopeful they'd find them. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy, his daughter Laurie of Columbia, daughter and son in-law Holly and Kevin White of Mansfield and his two grandchildren, Leah and Bryan White. He is also survived by his sister in-law, Anja Sihvonen, and four nieces, Myra Fowler, Tina Wells, Lisa Sihvonen-Binder and Sharron Perry; his nephew, Chan Squier , two grand nieces and four grand nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Leo and Olavi, nephew Leo Sihvonen and his brother in law and wife Chauncey and Joanne Squier. There will be a Memorial Service held for Arnold at the Columbia Congregational Church, Route 89, in Columbia Center on Saturday, February 19th, 2011 at 3pm. Burial will be with family only at a later time. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.