Dover Plains – Henry R. “Hank” Arvisais, 86, a seventy year Dover Plains and Wingdale, NY, resident most recently of South Daytona, FL, died Sunday, January 10, 2016 in South Daytona. Hank worked for his father for many years at the Arvisais School Bus Company in Wingdale, NY, before he began working at the Harlem Valley Psychiatric in Wingdale. Hank retired as the Transportation Supervisor from Harlem Valley in March of 1991, a career that spanned thirty three years. Hank also served as a Town of Dover Constable for many years.
Born August 16, 1929 in Beacon, NY, he was the son of the late Walter and Susan (Morillo) Arvisais. Hank attended Beacon City Schools before moving to Wingdale in the mid 1940’s. Hank enjoyed spending the winters at his home in South Daytona and spent many summers at his camp on Brackett Lake in Maine. He could often be found at the firehouse in Dover or Wingdale, his black El Camino in the parking lot and his faithful companion “Genny” trailing behind him. He was always fixing things or playing cards with the guys or just relaxing in the shade. Hank was a proud fifty seven year life member and charter Station # 2 member of the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company and Rescue Squad in Dover Plains, NY. Hank joined the fire company in 1958 when he and several other men from the Wingdale area formed Wingdale Station #2 known today as Dover Station #2. During his fifty seven years of service, Hank held nearly every elected line office in the department including, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief (Dover Car 4) and Deputy Fire Chief (36-2). Hank was a true leader and a mentor to many fireman, a hands on officer and station chief and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. In March of 1998 Hank received “The Lamp” an award given for lifetime achievement, selfless dedication and outstanding service to the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company. An award he truly deserved. “Hammer” as he was more affectionately known by his firematic family was also a member of the NYS Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, Firemen’s Assoc. of the State of NY, Dutchess County Vol. Firemen’s Assoc., Dutchess County Chief’s Counsel, Exempt Firemen’s Assoc. and the CSEA. Hank will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him both at home and in the fire service.
Hank is survived by his daughter, Valerie Thompson of South Dayton, FL, four grandchildren; Charles M. (Kate) Arvisais, Cooper A. (Morgan) Arvisais, Scott Coleman and Jill Arvisais, two great grandchildren; Jadelynn Colman and Jack Hudson Arvisais, a daughter in law, Sandra Arvisais and several nieces, nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, Hank predeceased by his son Walter A. Arvisais, a brother, Eugene Arvisais and two sisters, Regina Langton and Susan Libonati.
There are no calling hours. A funeral service and burial will take place in August 2016 at St. Charles Cemetery, Nellie Hill Rd., Dover Plains, NY. The J.H. Ketcham Hose Company will conduct services graveside prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company, P.O. 706, Dover Plains, NY 12522.
