It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that Dismas House STL announces the passing of our Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Arington. Anthony passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 25, 2025, which marked his 49th birthday.
Anthony was the bedrock of Dismas House for more than 23 years, serving our mission and our community with unparalleled dedication. Joining the organization in 2002 as a Facility Monitor, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Program Director in 2008 and eventually our first-ever Chief Operating Officer in 2020. His unwavering passion for providing successful second chances to our clients and his instrumental role in expanding our mission have left an indelible mark on our organization.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Anthony’s commitment extended far beyond the walls of Dismas House. He was a deeply engaged leader in the St. Louis community, generously volunteering his time and expertise to numerous causes. Notably, he was heavily involved over the years with both the Heart Transplant Association (HTA) and Forest Park Forever, reflecting his belief in improving the health and civic life of the region. He also served on GRIP, which is the Gang Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
A lifelong learner, Anthony held multiple advanced degrees, including an M.B.A. from Lindenwood University. He was also a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart, Eileen. An avid outdoorsman, kayaker, and nature lover, Anthony’s humor, intellect, and steadfast friendship will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Moving Forward
Anthony’s loss is deeply personal for many of our staff, clients, former clients, and community partners. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we remain committed to continuing our mission in the spirit of his leadership and legacy. We ask that the public respect the privacy of the Arington family and our staff during this difficult time.
We are deeply grateful for Anthony’s countless contributions and the life he dedicated to lifting up others.