Arnold George Hatcher was born on April 23,1950 youngest of five children, at Harlem Hospital to the late David Murray and Hassie Hatcher. Growing up in Harlem Arnold was an active child and would get into mischief along with his older brothers, cousins, and neighborhood friends. He eventually channeled that energy into education. After graduating from Haaren High School he went on to receive an Associate Degree of Science in Marketing Management and Sales from Bronx Community College of the City University of New York.
His early jobs included tutoring others at Bronx Community College. Through these experiences Arnold developed a passion for learning that would follow him throughout life. He’d often share insights from the Financial Options trading classes he took, techniques he learned to improve his favorite swim stroke (butterfly), and of course learning about the most up to date technology. Arnold began his career in 1981 at Weill Cornell University working in their Finance division as a data base administrator. He was a dedicated employee and very good at his job. Arnold loved sharing knowledge and took younger employees under his wing passing along lessons he learned being a child of Harlem working in a corporate setting and navigating both spaces. He spent his entire career with this company and retired in 2007 after 26 years with the organization.
Harlem was a tight knit community in those days and Arnold began dating a neighborhood friend Laura Landrum. This relationship resulted in two daughters Sarita Marie Hatcher (1983) and Sherisse Nicole Hatcher (1984). We can all laugh knowing that Arnold and Laura had their problems but one thing is for certain Sarita and Sherisse were their priority. Arnold was a dedicated father. He ensured his daughters had a sound education, supported them in all their endeavors and was genuinely proud of them and his title of DAD.
Arnold was fortunate enough to retire at a young age and took that opportunity to deepen his focus on health and wellness. He was often seen running or biking along Riverside Drive (well before those bike and running paths were officially formed). He meditated and practiced tai chi each morning. Arnold walked all over Manhattan and enjoyed pointing out the details of older Harlem building structures, as well as his dislike of the new building aesthetics.
He would often share photos of murals he passed created by the Audubon Mural project. The “bird walls” as Noelle and Ava would call them were a favorite on their walks home when grandpa picked them up from school. He started traveling, always with at least one child and his grandchildren. Visiting Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica but his main activity was swimming.
Oh how he loved Riverbank State Park pool. He knew everyone there. He was an active member of the Riverbank Senior Stroke Mechanics swim group. As stated from one of his group members: “Arnold was an anchor for our group and our liaison with the park administrative staff. He shared his tips and knowledge of swimming with me, and he always spoke of the achievements of his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. I always admired his style; he spared no expense when it came to purchasing the best tech clothing, and he was always up on the latest equipment and nutritional guidance.”
On March 16, 2025 Arnold was called home to reunite with his parents, his sister (Jacqueline aka Jackie), brothers (David aka Dougie and Daryl) and a host of family and friends. Arnold leaves behind to celebrate his life: two daughters (Sarita and Sherisse), one daughter-in-law (Jamie), one son-in-law (Brian), six grandchildren (Noelle, Ava, Lucian, Charlotte, Julian, and Natalie), two brothers (Walter aka Peter, and John aka Beau), beloved first cousin (Shiela), eleven nieces and nephews (Chrystal, Celeste, Maynard, Sabrina, Keith, Sandra, Candace, Derrick, Natasha, Sha’ron, and David) three god children (Vaughn, Jasmine and Ashley) and a host of other close relatives, and friends too numerous to mention.
Arnold’s presence will continue to live on through us all. As Arnold would tell his children and grandchildren often “don’t sweat the small stuff”. You will be greatly missed.
So saddened as many of us at Riverbank Pool were at the sudden passing of Arnold Hatcher, our friend and Swimming examplar. Arnold was a most elegant swimmer, a warm and funny man and a go to for info on swimming and tips on related gear. Arnold , I hope you are showing the angels how to glide.
May your memory be a blessing
Kevin P Sacco.
