This is the story of Arthur F. Caldwell Jr., a wonderful man who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our “Pop-Pop,” as he liked to be called by his grandchildren, “Honey Bunches,” as he was called by his loving wife Arlene, was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and a marine like no other could be. Art’s story began on Friday, February 13, 1948. He was the second child born to Arthur F. Caldwell Sr., and Agnes (Daunis) Caldwell and joined big sister Charlotte (Caldwell) Healey. He was raised in Norwalk, Connecticut and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1966. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served his country in the Seventh Engineering Battalion, First Marine Division as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam before being honorably discharged. It was then he met the woman who would be his partner for the rest of his days. While visiting a friend, he walked into the apartment across the hall and sat down to share a crossword puzzle with Arlene Bernier and they were loving partners and best friends from that day forward. Art and Arlene were married on August 8, 1970 and shared 46 fun, beautiful, but short years together. Together they lovingly raised three children; Kelli (Caldwell) Rumrill of Forest, VA, Kimberly (Caldwell) Kehoe of Rocky Hill, CT and Christopher Caldwell of Wallingford, CT. He guided his children through life, cheering them on “Study hard, get an ‘A’”, drying their tears, attending their band and chorus concerts, sporting events, and drama productions. He was the proud, doting Pop-Pop to seven beautiful grandchildren and made an effort to attend as many school events, concerts, and sporting events as he possibly could, all while smiling affectionately and cheering them on. A 1977 graduate of Quinnipiac University, Art enjoyed a 40 year career at Yale New Haven Hospital where he specialized in respiratory care. He spent a majority of those years working in Yale’s Newborn Special Care Unit, where he helped save countless premature lives with the work of his hands. He dedicated much of his life to the service of others and the legacy he leaves is one that will live on long after his passing. Art may have lost his bout with cancer, but he will live eternally in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; his daughter Kelli (#1 Girl), her husband Paul and their three children Nicholas (17), Jeremy (15) and Abigail (8); his daughter Kimberly (Peanut), her husband John and their two children Shauna (12) and Johnny (9); and his son Christopher (Da-Boy), his wife Kelly and their two children Qin (10) and Suze (7); as well as his siblings, Charlotte Healey, James Hannon, Maureen Orazietti and Tricia Slowik.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday January 18 from 4 to 8 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Family and friends are invited to go directly to Hope Christian Church, 211 Montowese Avenue North Haven, Thursday morning at 10:00 and are also invited to attend the committal services with full military honors immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929, so his love for children can impact families from this day forward.
My husband and I are so sorry for your loss! Art was such a kind man to me! We worked for years together prior to me (Emerald) being introduced to the rest of the family. During that time, he always treated me as an equal and never his subordinate even though I was. He always had a funny joke to tell to keep our spirits high in a busy environment. He was an all around great guy!
To: Arlene and Family
Into the arms of Jesus your Art now rests,
he did not want to wait any longer for His
return, so the Lord bids him come. Art now
smiles and watches you all from his heavenly
home.
We continue to surround you and family
with prayers.
Love Always
Dawn Morgan-Gray
Team Leader
I used to work with Art at YNHH. So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers.
To the Caldwell family,
Heartfelt condolences go out to you! May the love of God comfort you, and may fond and loving memories keep Art close. Praying for you!
To the Caldwell family,
I didn’t know Artie well, but what I know of his family and their deep love for him, I could imagine what a loss this is to the whole family. The obituary is beautiful and shows us how many significant roles he played in your lives. What a special man and what a blessing he was to your family. My deepest condolences to you all. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Rita and Jim Miller XO
To Artie’s family,
I didn’t know Artie well, but what I know of his family and their deep love for him, I could imagine what a loss this is to the whole family. The obituary is beautiful and shows us how many significant roles he played in your lives. What a special man and what a blessing he was to your family. My deepest condolences to you all. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Rita and Jim Miller XO
A beautiful tribute to Art in the Register. I was a classmate of Art’s and spent time with him at YNHH during our clinical program. He was a great guy and I send my sincere condolences to his family.
What a beautiful tribute to Art. I was a classmate of Art’s and spent time at YNHH during our clinical training. I extend my sincere condolences. I’m sure he will be missed.
To the Caldwell Family,
So sorry for your loss.
Beautiful tribute to Art.
A+ coworker and gentleman.
My sincere condolences.
So sorry for your loss! The obituary was
a wonderful testament to a
great husband,father, grandfather,
coach, friend and coworker. May
you find comfort in all the
loving memories! God Bless you all!
To the entire Caldwell family,
So sorry for your loss!
Such a beautiful obituary.
Great guy and coworker!
He will be missed! My
deepest condolences
to you and your family!!
Maureen,
So sorry for your great loss. I feel your pain my friend. Cherish the memories.
Love,
Michele