Arnold Arnister

Arnold Arnister of Southampton died on September 12 at Southampton Hospital after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70.

Born April 5, 1938, in Water Mill to Anna (née Konopka) and Alex Arnista , he attended Southampton Public Schools and served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Grumman Aerospace in Calverton after 38 years.

A former member of the Water Mill Rod & Gun Club and a member of the Mecox Ice Yacht Club, he enjoyed ice boating, fishing, and hunting, but derived his greatest joy from his work as a master decoy carver, having won prizes in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, California, Louisiana, and New York State. His most famous work is a life-size flying Canada goose. His decoys are currently on display at the Southampton Historical Museum through November 1.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (née Ruppel) Arnister; two sons, Duane Arnister of Water Mill and Dana Arnister of Florida; two sisters, Adele Ambrose of Riverhead and Lorraine Knockolein of Shirley; a brother, Chester Arnister of Water Mill; three grandchildren, Brandon Arnister and Jena Arnister, both of Water Mill, and Dara Danyluk of Sherburne; and many nieces and nephews.

The family received visitors on September 15 at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. Funeral services were held September 16 at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Bridgehampton, followed by interment at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dominican Sisters Family Health Service, PO Box 1028, Hampton Bays, NY 11946-0404; East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978; or the Southampton Historical Museum, c/o Baymen’s Decoy Shop, PO Box 303, Southampton, NY 11969 would be appreciated by the family.