Louis Arcidy, 79, of Bedford, a noted pioneer in the development and manufacture of electronic components, died September 13, 2004 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a period of declining health due to aplastic anemia.
Louis was born in Lawrence, MA on December 7, 1924, the son of Alfred and Carmela (Simone) Arcidy. He was the second oldest of four boys and 1 girl. Louis was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He graduated from Lawrence (Massachusetts) High School and St. Michael’s College. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. In 1973, he founded RCD Components, in Manchester, NH. As a son of Italian immigrant parents, he believed in the American Dream and wanted to share that dream with others by providing job opportunities and highest quality products. Many of his product designs have been utilized in a variety of Space flights, medial, and electronic applications. He was a hardworking generous man with a kind heart who enjoyed meeting and conversing with all kinds of people, even strangers. He was actively involved in numerous charitable organizations and was the sole benefactor of the Franklin Academy, a high school in southern Maine for troubled teens. He spent summers at Old Orchard Beach, ME, where he loved to play bocce with his sons and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Malinda (Maynard) Arcidy; one daughter, Maria Grisanzio; four sons, Louis, Michael, Mark and Alfred; twelve grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Gangi; three brothers, Mike Arcidiacono, Dr. Joseph Arcidi, and Dr. Alfred Arcidi.
He was the June 2004 recipient of the Governor’s Commendation, presented by Governor Benson, for 31 years of distinguished service to the New Hampshire community, entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropy, and commitment to excellence. The Governor presented the award to Mr. Arcidy at RCD’s headquarters in Manchester, NH, and honored him for having received Entrepreneur of the Year Award as well building his company into one of New Hampshire’s top 100 corporations.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Thursday, September 16, 2004 at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, Bedford, NH. In lieu of flowers, the Arcidy family requests that donations be made or blood contributed to the American Red Cross in Louis’ honor. Donations may be made online at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp, or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW.