Herbert Charles Arico

Herbert Charles Arico, 100, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Lucille Cavar Arico; they were married for 55 years.

Herb lived a full, robust life right up to his final weeks – father of two, grandfather of nine. He was a patriot, World War II veteran, and model citizen. A lifelong learner, Herb had many interests; he was an educator, athlete, gardener, reader, marksman, bird-lover, HAM radio operator, and local politician.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1922, Herb was the second son of Joseph F. and Ruby Mae (Perchard) Arico. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1940 and enlisted with the Army to fight in World War II in early 1942. For three years he bravely fought in Europe in the 29th infantry, after which he returned to Massachusetts, receiving his BA from Northeastern in 1947, his M.Ed in 1951 and 6th Year Degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Herb became a teacher in central Connecticut where he met his wife, whom he married in 1967. They built a house in Willington where they reared their two children. He taught for an epic 58 years at Windham High School, an esteemed business teacher and coach of multiple sports, before retiring in 2012 at age 89.

Herb served multiple times on the Willington Board of Education, the Region 19 Board of Education, and the EastCONN Board of Directors. He chaired the Northeast Family Credit Union Board of Directors from 1964 to 2023. He was a member of the Willington Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Willington Republican Town Committee. In all he was wise, generous, shrewd, and a good listener and leader.

Herb shone most when with his wife and family, on whom he doted. For years he was his daughter’s soccer coach and son’s Cub Scout denmaster, and as a grandfather he never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren at their events… plus hundreds of board games, puzzles, playground trips, and hand-written notes. Though quiet by nature, Herb delighted his family with tales of growing up in the 20’s, the depression and war, and his travels. He was so lively and sharp that at age 100 people routinely mistook him for an 80-year-old; he was a legend.

His was a heart of gold. Herb was warm, attentive, witty, and had an aura of peace about him. He enjoyed adventures and outings of all kinds but was never rattled or in a rush. He was a rock to his family, steadfast and loyal.

Herb is survived by his wife Lucille, his daughter Britton Soderberg and husband, Rob, son York Arico and wife, Susan, nine grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 11 AM at Baptist Fellowship Church, located at 195 Willimantic Rd (Rte 6), Columbia, CT, 06237. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herb’s honor to the Baptist Fellowship Church.