Thomas James Arata, 70, formerly of New York City and Hyde Park, NY, died on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Rhinebeck. Tom passed away peacefully in the company of family and friends, after enduring a long illness. Born September 17, 1951, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of Robert L. and Ann K. Arata of Hyde Park. Tom was a graduate of Columbia University and had a long career in the legal/investigative field. He began his career at the law firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, and Jacobsen and then went on to work for Kroll Associates, Decision Strategies, and Nardello & Co. Tom particularly enjoyed his four-year assignment in London working as an investigator. He eventually was self-employed as a consultant. Tom had many interests. He enjoyed cooking, and he prepared many meals for friends and family. He was a fixture in the kitchen during the holidays. Tom also loved listening to music and had an extensive music collection. He attended the Woodstock music festival in 1969. Tom loved being outdoors and was an enthusiastic gardener. He planted and tended an elaborate woodland garden at the family home. Tom was also an avid hiker and traveler. He loved hiking in the mountains, especially the Catskills. Tom traveled extensively in the United States and at one time lived on the west coast in California. He also explored throughout Europe, including his ancestral hometown in Italy. Tom was a caring and thoughtful brother, and he dearly loved his nieces and nephews. Tom was the oldest of five siblings, and family was important to him. He is survived by three siblings, Robert Arata of Kingston, NH; Catherine Plumb and husband Brian of Hopkinton, MA; and Patrick Arata and wife Lisa, of Montclair, NJ. He was a beloved uncle and is survived by his nieces and nephews: Elise, Kate, Matthew, Stephen, Daniel, Alex, and Emily. He is also survived by aunt/uncles, Marylou and Walter Wajda, and Vincent Arata, as well as many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, David Arata (2010), his sister-in-law, Christine Arata (2018), his aunt, Kathie Arata (2019), and his uncle, Frank Vicovari (1995). He was also predeceased by his grandparents, Esther and Louis Arata, whom he held especially close to his heart. Calling hours will be Saturday, March 12th from 1 to 4 pm at Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. A prayer service will be conducted at 3:30 during the visitation. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be buried in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either: CurePSP at 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online at psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/ The family would also like to thank the staff of the Baptist Home for the wonderful care and comfort they provided Tom. Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Tom's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.