Theo “Tree” Arrington, the founder of R.E.A.L. (Relationship Empowerment Affirmation Leadership), a program hosted by Family Services’ Family Partnership Center, has passed. He did not know how to read until he was 30, and earned his GED in prison. He went on to become an educator and earned his Masters. He was a dean of Poughkeepsie High School, and served on the board of Family Services. He conceived of the idea of R.E.A.L. in 2007 while on dialysis, because he “needed something to keep my concentration,” he told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, “Mayor Rob Rolison confirmed Arrington's death in a statement Monday afternoon. It was not clear when he died or the circumstances. Brian Doyle, CEO of Family Services, said Arrington had been ill, but his passing was unexpected.”

R.E.A.L. offers after-school and summer programs designed to help students navigate through social, educational and judicial systems to obtain mainstream skill competency and social values. It is rooted in empowering youth to engage in their communities, school or job.

The Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Rob Rolison, said in a statement: “Tree was larger than life. His heart was as big as he was. You simply can’t replace people like Tree. Tree understood that some youth need extra care to navigate through the various societal systems, to develop better skills and social values. Tree had a way of connecting with youth, and he led by example."

The Founder and CEO of Community Matters 2, L’Quette Taylor, said: “Theo "Tree" Arrington raised and helped a lot of generations.”

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said in a statement: “He leaves a legacy of mentorship, leadership and inspiration for so many in the City of Poughkeepsie. Theo lived up to his nickname, "‘Tree,’ laying down strong roots in the city and helping so many youths blossom into strong, responsible young men and women, each reaching their potential and giving back to their community in his memory. Theo will live on through the R.E.A.L. Skills program he founded more than a decade ago and the countless city residents who have and will continue to benefit from his altruism.