Michael J. Arnone, D.D.S., age 91, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully July 1, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Michael was born and raised in Red Bank where he met the love of his life, Barbara, while attending Red Bank Catholic High School in 1950.
He attended St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and Seton Hall University and graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia in 1958. Michael then served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961, attaining the rank of captain.
In 1956, Michael and Barbara married and settled in Red Bank. In 1961, he opened his dental practice and was dedicated to his patients for over 60 years. Mike and Barbara were married for 67 years and had five children, John (Jean), Suzanne, Mark, Paul (Dawn) and Michael (Dawn Marie). He will be lovingly remembered and adored by his 11 grandchildren and great-grandson.
Michael had a love for public service and began his extensive political career by becoming the chairman of the Red Bank Borough Zoning Board of Adjustments in 1965. In 1969, he was elected to the Red Bank Borough Council, a position he held until 1973. He also served as fire commissioner and then police commissioner. In 1978, Michael was elected mayor of Red Bank; he initiated several major projects that benefited the residents of the borough. He served three terms, until 1990.
In 1989, Michael was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly and was re-elected six times to represent the 12th District until 2004. While in the Assembly, Mike served on the Housing and Local Government committees, the Community Development and Urban Affairs Committee, and the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, among others. His key initiatives included the protection of law-abiding citizens with legislation such as Megan’s Law.
While serving in the legislature, Michael was acknowledged for his dedication to New Jersey, his community and the Republican Party. He received awards for being the Outstanding Legislator of the Year from the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and the Republican of the Year from the Red Bank Republican Club, among numerous other awards, while in public service.
Michael was a beloved father and grandfather who loved to cook and entertain friends and family. No one left his home without a full stomach. Holidays were always a big celebration for Mike and Barb, with a lot of Italian traditions, great food, and lots of laughs.
Michael was an avid baseball fan, coaching Little League for his four sons and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. In retirement, his ultimate love was serving as a NJ Racing Commissioner.
Friends and family will miss his support, love and humor. He always had a new joke for family and friends.
Visitation was held July 9 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 10 at St. James Church, Red Bank. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the July 11 – 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
