Wakelin started his career in Wellesley in 1957. He served as town comptroller from 1962-1979, director of financial services from 1979-1993 and chief financial officer from 1993 until his death. He was a 40-year-member of the Wellesley Retirement Board.

"Forget his titles. Arnie was Mr. Retirement in the Town of Wellesley," said Association President Ralph White. "He convinced the town to build up the Wellesley pension fund long before a funding law went into effect. Wellesley is a very affluent community. He knew the town could afford it, and he was responsible for pumping millions of dollars into its pension reserves."

"Our Retirement System is 100% funded," said Felix Juliani, a retired member of the system. "Arnie was a lifetime bachelor. His whole life revolved around the town's financial structure. He was a shrewd investor of our pension funds... I believe we rank number one in the state on our investment returns.

"He was responsible for a new law enabling Wellesley to put money aside for future costs of retirees' health insurance. Arnie was in the process of asking the town for money, when he died. Wellesley will have a tough time replacing him."

Christopher Clarke, the assistant finance officer who has served under Wakelin for the past seven years, has assumed Wakelin's duties on an interim basis. Clarke is also serving on the Retirement Board.