Daniel A. Arsenault

Daniel A. “Dan” Arsenault, 31, of Hartford, CT, died peacefully, Thursday, December 24, 2020, after an accident.

Born in Leominster, MA, on November 20, 1989, he was the son of Kevin J. and Paula J. (Fournier) Arsenault. Dan graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 2008 and went on to further his studies at the University of Hartford, where we obtained a dual-Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing and Psychology, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with honors of distinction. Dan was recognized for his achievements and was awarded the Fahey Gengras Student Union accolade, acknowledging his inclination and contribution to the overall continuity of the management and leadership of University facilities. During his undergraduate career, Dan accomplished in both his academic pursuits, as well as with his passion for leadership in social and community organizations. He served a functional role within the Office of the University President that transcended with him post-graduation and had also been an active member of his beloved Greek Life Community as a Brother of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Dan’s passion for community carried forward with him as he continued his professional career path, post-graduation. He elected to continue to serve the Greater Hartford community that he had come to love while completing his undergraduate studies. Dan’s passion for advocacy quickly opened doors for him in the Connecticut State Government where he served as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Governor, under the Malloy administration. This energy carried forward with him as he assumed the role of Public Information Officer and the Legislative Programs Manager for the Connecticut Department of Housing. It was during this time that Dan was lauded for his accomplishments in helping further initiatives to help provide affordable housing options for the citizens throughout the State of Connecticut. Most recently Dan’s accomplishments and desire to help drive change forayed him into the parallel world of Lobbying where he was appointed as a Senior Director of O’Neill and Associates.

Dan was a Board of Director member for Hands on Hartford—a social service nonprofit that serves Hartford’s economically challenged residents with food, housing, and health. He was also an advisory board member of the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford. Outside of his professional career, Dan had a passion for embracing the beauty of nature and enjoying the company of those he held most dear. He also loved to travel and play golf. His smile could brighten a room, regardless of the room he was in. But the time that Dan loved and cherished the most was spent with his family and friends, all of whom will greatly miss him.

Besides his parents, Kevin J. and Paula J. (Fournier) Arsenault of Gardner, MA, Dan is survived by his brother, Nathan T. Arsenault of Hubbardston, MA; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Lorraine (Dauphinais) Arsenault, and his maternal grandparents, Albert and Veronica (Piascik)Fournier.

Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hands on Hartford, 55 Bartholomew Avenue, Hartford CT 06106. Please reference in memory of Daniel A. Arsenault.