Arnold Michael ( A.M.) (Rinky) Renkewith, age 84, of Seymour, entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Griffin Hospital, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Derby, CT on December 5, 1938, loving son of the late Arnold G. and Margaret E. Cochran Renkewith.
In 1957, Arnie proudly served in the Army National Guard Reserve as a HD SP4 E‑4 Gunner with Co “I” 102d Inf Regt. His credentials included marksman rifle & carbine and pistol sharpshooter. Several years later he received an Honorable discharge. He was a member of The David S. Miles Post 174, American Legion of Oxford
Arnie was well known in the community. For several years he served as an election official and spent countless hours at the polls.
He was involved with the George J. Hummel Little League and enjoyed coaching his sons Michael and Brian. He served as league President and was instrumental in helping establish George J. Hummel Little League Girls Softball. When the girls softball team headed to Kalamazoo Michigan to participate in the world series he was thrilled to accompany the team. He made lifelong friendships during his many years involved with little league. Many of these friends have passed but boy there were some great memories.
He was the host of Arnie’s Place which was aired on the public access channel and he enjoyed making the shows with his best cameraman Ron Fisher. He interviewed so many people and just had the best time doing so and always closed his show with “Good Night Gracie”. He loved his polka shows which typically aired after Arnie’s place. An interesting fact, Arnie wasn’t polish. His love for broadcasting goes way back to when he was a broadcaster on WADS radio.
Arnie was also known as the voice of the Seymour Wildcats. His broadcast talents led him to announce countless games which included football, basketball, softball and baseball. As a result of his dedication he was presented the Naugatuck Valley League Award in 2011 in recognition and dedication to Seymour High School and Naugatuck Valley league sports as an announcer for over 30 years. Additionally, his dedication earned him Seymour High School Principal’s Award for 1999 – 2000.
Arnie was a devout communicant of the Church of the Good Shepherd. On any given Sunday he would arrive at the church bright and early to open the doors for the Parishoners. He served as a greeter, usher and was an active member of the Men’s Club.
He enjoyed the casino but loved horse racing and on any given Saturday he would watch the races on tv all day long. He organized many trips to Saratoga during the summer and never missed a chance to make a stop at Cracker Barrel on the way home. Later in life he discovered his love for cruises and organized several trips out of New York. He followed the Cleveland Browns and Indians but gave credit when due to the New York Giants and Yankees.
He was previously employed at Homer D. Bronson in Beacon Falls and Caspari in Seymour.
Over the past few years, Arnie‘s mind was sharp but his significant health issues sidelined him. The family would like to thank his best friend Bob Totilo. Bob took on the role as uber driver and made sure Arnie got to all his doctor appointments. He visited every day and his acts of kindness are endless. Bob and Arnie were quite the Laurel and Hardy team.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Griffin Hospital and in particular Dr. Finefrock and his emergency room team, the staff on Two North A and special nurses Brian, Jen and Denise for their outstanding care and compassion given to Arnie and his family.
Most of all, Arnold loved to spend time with his family and many friends. He will be sadly missed by all, but will remain forever in our hearts.
His loving family includes his caring daughter Jo- Ann (Ralph) Cappiello of Derby, two devoted sons Michael (Robin Uhelsky) Renkewith of Seymour and Brian (Marcella Kryszkiewicz) Renkewith of Seymour, three cherished grandchildren Kaitlin and Eric Renkewith and Karissa (Hal) Hansen and a cherished great-granddaughter Madison Grace Hansen who Arnie affectionately referred to as “Gracie”. He is also survived by his former wife and friend Judy Renkewith and former daughter-in-law Diane Johnson. Arnie’s fur baby Precious will be lost without him as they were inseparable.
Arnie has signed off for the last time, good night Gracie.
A Mass of Christian Burial in Celebration of Arnold’s life was held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at The Church of the Good Shepherd of St. Nicholas Parish 135 Mountain Road in Seymour.
Interment, with full military honors accorded, followed in the family plot at St. Augustine Cemetery in Seymour.
