Arnold Lewis Pawlikowski
November 6, 1936 – January 29, 2019
Winter in New England is never without losses, and this last one was no different. Among them, Arnie Pawlikowski, who passed away in the 82nd year of his life. Though the surname isn’t as omnipresent as it once was in Hampton, those of us who have lived here for a while remember the family well – Arnie and his brothers, Raymond and Leon, his father and mother, Leon and Sylvia, and, of course, his uncle Barney. The members of the Pawlikowski family have lived among us for over a century, and have contributed to our community in countless ways, most notably in Arnie’s case, with the Fire Department.
Predeceased by his son, David, and his two brothers, Arnie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen, and his daughters, Deborah Pawlikowski and Diane Smith-Sanders, and two grandsons — our condolences to all. In a recent interview, Eileen shared memories of their time together:
Back in the day when the heavy black dial-up phone on a table in the hall rang in many homes, Arnie and Eileen were married. It was 1959. After his service in the U. S. Air Force, Arnie worked with his father, Leon, at A&L Builders, Inc. Eileen was a dental assistant. At his dad’s constant urging, the new Mr. and Mrs. Pawlikowski moved to Hampton and the town gained two wonderful assets.
Arnie had been part of the Hampton Fire House start-up effort since the age of sixteen, and so it was only natural that he maintained his connection and dedication to this important community institution throughout his entire life. Arnie’s primary obligation as a Police Officer for Troop D from 1963 until his retirement in 1984 meant that he could no longer be a first responder, but was always available for back-up.
Eilleen remembers that the Ladies Fire Department Auxilliary was becoming a thing of the past. And, there was a set of new challenges to contend with. Police officers worked three alternate shifts on a weekly rotation providing many challenges on the domestic front. She had to sign a letter acknowledging the scheduling arrangement and learned how to “roll with the punches” in the process.
Not an easy thing, I would guess for a lady from Norwich who never learned to drive! She had lived in Norwich when it was a thriving city, and walked everywhere. She says she just didn’t want to learn to drive. She has always had a lot of friends and support and got it all done. She tells the tale with vigor and certainty.
As our interview drew to a close she said firmly and with a twinkle in her eye, “It’s been grand!”
Linda Gorman