Master Chief Petty Officer (ret) William Harold Arnold, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at age 92 on Jan 30, 2024 in Winter Garden, FL. He was born on Aug 16, 1931 in Minneapolis, MN to William and Evelyn E. Inglis Arnold. He was predeceased by wife Shari Zeh Arnold on New Years day 2020 and by stepson John Marcel Stratta two months later.
Bill served 22 years in the Navy and then worked 20+ years for AT&T. He graduated from Rollins College in 1977. He lived for over 40 years in Winter Park Pines and then Winter Park Towers/Westminster. He was active in the YMCA for decades, known for reading a book while exercising. He was a regular at the Annie Russell Theatre, Winter Park Playhouse and Fringe Fest. He loved books, history, and travel. Known as Hap Arnold in the Navy, in later years he would quip when asked how he was doing “not bad for a geezer” or “Just peachy... round and fuzzy”.
He is survived by daughter Hon. Deborah Arnold (ret) and her husband Steve Jett with whom he resided in his final years. He is also survived by daughter Wendy Roberts and her husband John and their sons Dr. John William (Dr. Juliana Baggio); Eric Ryan Tristan; Grant Arnold (Keri and daughter Kori); and Thomas Jett Roberts; as well as his former wife Yvonne Morrissette. Surviving stepchildren are Gina (sons Arash and Rustam); Marie (son Stevie); and Tony Stratta (son Joey). He was Father Christmas to all and is greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Power for Parkinson's, who helped keep Bill going, especially during COVID. His memorial will be held on Saturday March 9 at 2:00pm at Woodlawn in Gotha, followed by a celebration gathering.
Power for Parkinson's: powerforparkinsons.org/donate
