Arnold was born in Hudson, Michigan on October 29, 1921. He was the youngest of nine children born to Max and Jennie Bennett (Ma) who lived in the small village of Lefke, Russia, before emigrating to Hudson, Michigan in 1898. After Max’s tragic death in an accident, Jennie moved the family to Detroit. Arnold was only 6, but his older brother, Herman, was like a father to him.
The house on Pasadena Street was always filled with family members and the wonderful aroma of Ma’s cooking. Arnold lived there until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was awarded several medals and honors, including 2 bronze stars. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946 and married June Becker, his high school sweetheart, two months later.
While he was in the service, his brothers started a wholesale family business, Bennett Brothers, selling toys and sundries. When he returned home from the war, his brothers offered him a share of the business and he left CPA school to join them. He was a hard worker, and his brothers frequently asked: “How did we ever get along without him?” Modest, as always, Arnold invariably replied: “Just as well.” His fun-loving and self-effacing nature made him popular with everyone.
Arnold and June had many close friends. There was rarely a time when one or two friends weren’t in the kitchen having a cup of coffee and cake. The Bennett house was always filled with laughter.
Late in life, Arnold developed a passion for sailing and he and June spent many happy hours sailing with friends and family at Kensington Lake.
Arnold stayed with the business until he retired in 1998, when he and June fulfilled their lifelong dream to move to sunny California. They settled in the retirement community of Laguna Woods Village where they enjoyed several happy years playing bocce ball with their friends and playing an active role in Temple Judea.
Tragedy struck in 2002 when June was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died within a few months. Arnold mourned for two years until he met the second love of his life, Lita Pickman. They enjoyed 10 happy years together. She was at his side when he died.
Arnold is survived by his three children- Mark, Ruth, and Julie, their spouses- Gail, John, and Phil, and his grandchildren Maya, David, Michael and Matthew. He was blessed with two great-granddaughters, Evie June, and Margot Alice, the children of Maya and her husband, Chris Kulick.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
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