Arnold Pinkston

Montville — Arnold A. Pinkston, 86, a longtime Oakdale resident, died on Sunday, July 8, 2018.

Born in New York City, N.Y., he was the son of the late Jeanette Carrancijie and Frank Pinkston. Arnie grew up in Manhattan with his three sisters, Espanita Caballero, Frances Oller and Agatha Lorenzo. The siblings remained close throughout their lives, enjoying ever-expanding family picnics and parties as their marriages and children created an extended family. As a teenager, Arnie joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served during the Korean War.

He met Clara Pangilinan (1936 to 1999) in New London and they married in 1956. They were devoted and caring parents to their children, Carole Pinkston (Uncasville) and Arnold Pinkston Jr. (Corona del Mar, Calif.) The couple later split, but remained close and shared a passion for their five grandchildren, Shay Beard Stamat, Shelley Beard, Connor Pinkston, Kyle Pinkston and Sophia Pinkston. Arnie was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Stamat.

Arnie had a long career with the I.B.E.W. Union working at Electric Boat and retiring as an NQC supervisor. For a time, Arnie served as the president of the I.B.E.W.’s local chapter. Echoing his Marine Corps service, Arnie proudly served his local community for over 30 years as a Montville Little League coach, dispensing his own special brand of wisdom, encouragement, discipline and excellence. His dedication to local youth was a special joy in his life and many of his former players still call him “Coach Arnie.”

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Road, Uncasville with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Burial will be at a later date. A special celebration of Arnold’s life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 11, 2018, at Ocean Beach Park, New London.