Arthur F. Amend

Arthur Frederick Amend, 79, of Brookfield.  

Arthur died peacefully at home on March 10, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Alice Kasper Amend, and his son Arthur David. He is survived by four children—Allison Vorderstrasse, Joellen Adae, Robert Amend and his wife Jessica, and Elizabeth Suchy and her husband Peter; six grandchildren—Kwabena, Kwasi, Kiley, Emery, Claire, and Hannah; sisters Catherine George and Priscilla McSweeney; brother Kenneth Amend; and brother-in-law Joseph T. Kasper, Jr.; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Arthur’s life was defined by deep faith in God, enduring hope in the goodness of others, appreciation for the beauty of nature and life itself, a gentle kindness he extended toward everyone he encountered, and his steadfast love for family and friends. 

Born in 1943 in Harrington Park, New Jersey, Arthur attended Dwight-Englewood School (then the Englewood School for Boys) before earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, from Bates College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute respectively, in the study of Physics. He devoted his entire professional life to what he knew to be his true calling as an educator. He taught Physics for more than four decades, serving at Ridgefield High School—where he and his wife Mary met—for more than 35 years, and later at Western Connecticut State University. 

Mary and Art married in 1971, and raised their young children in Bethel before moving to Brookfield in 1996. Their early family life was rooted in St. Mary Parish, where the children attended St. Mary School, Mary served as Director of Religious Education, and Arthur was a cantor and an active member of the Knights of Columbus Pavia Council #48, once serving as Grand Knight. He was a devoted father, present at countless performances, athletic contests, and special events for his children throughout their youth and he continued to provide a wellspring of moral support and encouragement on a daily basis in their adult lives. Arthur never forgot a family member’s or friend’s birthday and was faithful to his and Mary’s tradition of mailing cards for special occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, and the annual Christmas card with family photo. 

Arthur found endless joy in spending time with family and friends at his home in Pocasset, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, where his own family history stretches back centuries and several relatives still reside. He was a skilled woodworker, and made furniture, toys, and keepsakes as gifts for loved ones over the years. He also enjoyed gardening, puzzles and games, and reading, and was a dedicated fan of UConn Huskies women's basketball and the Boston Red Sox. 

A gifted listener who consistently placed others’ needs above his own, Arthur leaves behind a beautiful legacy among the generations of students who called him teacher, and the treasured loved ones who called him Dad, Grandpa, Pop Pop, Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and Friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur's memory can be made to Brotherhood in Action via their website biabethel.org, or by sending gifts to Brotherhood In Action of Bethel, Inc., P.O. Box 582, Bethel, CT 06801.

Family and friends will be received at Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, on Wednesday, March 15, from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Church in Bethel, Thursday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel will follow the Mass. 

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