Dr. Richard D. Arnott 1943-2020

He was born April 4, 1943, the son of Robert Wade and Dorothy Deeley Arnott, in Meridian, Miss., where his father was stationed in the Army. He grew up in Girard and graduated from Girard High School in 1961. Dick completed his undergraduate studies at Youngstown State University in 1966. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity at YSU.

In 1970, Dick graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa, and completed his internship, residency and fellowship with the Youngstown Hospital Association. In 1976, he was board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and, in 1978, he became a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dick spent 25 wonderful years in private practice at Salem Community Hospital, where he was a beloved figure. In 2003, he headed South to work for the Central Alabama Veterans Affairs Health Care System, where he continued to practice until just a month prior to his death.

“Doc,” as he was affectionately called by colleagues and patients, will be remembered as a tremendous, tireless and compassionate cardiologist. He loved the practice of medicine, and, no doubt, he will be missed by his former and current patients and colleagues. He was an old-fashioned practitioner who loved getting to know his patients and being a part of their lives. He risked his own fragile health by working every single day during the pandemic, which is further testament to his character and devotion.

His love of medicine was only eclipsed by his love of the game of golf. Everyone who knew him, knew how much he loved to be on the golf course — it didn’t matter which one. He was a fierce competitor, counted every stroke (and everyone else’s), and swung his way from club championship title to club championship title on local courses like the Salem Golf Club and quite a few more on Hilton Head Island, S.C. He played with some legends at the HHI Heritage Classic pro-am tournaments in his heyday and never really could get enough golf. One of his favorite golf mantras was “Minimize the damage.” He must have said that a thousand times.

Dick was passionate about all teams Cleveland — Browns, Indians and Cavaliers — they all had a special place in his heart, but he cheered on the Browns most aggressively. And loudly. He was so disappointed when his daughter moved to Pittsburgh. During his time in Alabama, he grew to love college football as much as the pros, with a particular affection for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He also was an avid USC basketball fan.

Dick leaves behind his wife, Belinda, with whom he had 17 wonderful years of marriage. Belinda brought such joy to his life every single day.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Richard) Hamilton, Esquire, of Gibsonia, Pa. Her dad was simply her hero. He also is survived by a sister, Sally (Michael) Revella of Girard; and stepchildren, Scott (Heather) Greenawalt of Irmo, S.C., and Brandi (Michael) Baird of Austintown. He was “Papa” to Chloe Warburton and Cora and Jordan Greenawalt, whom he loved dearly. Dick also leaves behind nine nieces and a nephew.

Dick maintained longtime friendships with those from his childhood and teenage years, and they enjoyed golf trips to HHI together for many years. He sure loved those trips with the guys.

It’s certain that Dick is playing a round in heaven, minimizing the damage, and cheering “Go Browns” this season. Because he is busy golfing, Dick requested no services in Alabama or Ohio.

Instead, please enjoy your favorite memories of Dick when he was living and loving life as a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, papa, Doc, colleague, golfer, neighbor and friend. It was truly a life well-lived, and he was so very loved.

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