Richard Arnold Obituary
Richard (Dick) W. Arnold was born on August 12, 1935 to Louis and Marie Arnold in Fresno and passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The second of two boys, Dick was known for his fun-loving and sociable personality. Both he and his brother Marvin honed their outgoing personalities working at the family's business, Arnold's Market, during their school years.
Dick graduated from Fresno High School in 1953 and went on to complete his studies at Fresno State College in 1957. From there, he proceeded to his technical training at the California College of Mortuary Science in Southern California.
Dick found this profession very fulfilling, especially while assisting local families in their time of need. Changing careers, Dick had great success working in business form sales for the majority of his working life. He made many friends among the customers he called on during his career.
Throughout his life, Dick was actively involved in local car clubs, including the Porsche Club of America (Sequoia Region) where he was a three-time past president. He also gave back to the community through various service organizations, including being a past president of The Exchange Club of Fresno. Dick was an active member of the LGBTQ community and was involved with the Reel Pride Film Festival and The Interfaith Alliance. He was also a founding member of the Central California Alliance.
Dick loved spending time with his friends and family and will be remembered by his family as a wonderful uncle (aka Funcle Diqué). He took great pride in his Volga German heritage and loved attending the family's Oktoberfest events. He loved art and travel and had a carefully curated vintage radio collection. Dick had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of classic and contemporary movies which he enjoyed watching weekly with his much-loved Sunday group. Dick was predeceased by his life partner, David Battan, and is survived by his sister-in-laws Nadia Arnold and Alison Arnold; niece Sara (Arnold) Hubert and nephews Charlie and Peter Arnold, along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime friend, Mark Lanier, and also his friend and caregiver, Lori Bridgham. The family would like to thank the staff at Clovis Community Hospital for the exceptional care they provided to Dick in his final days.
A private graveside service is planned. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15th 2025 at 11:00 AM at Farewell Funeral Chapel - Palm Bluffs (660 W Locust Ave, Fresno, CA 93650). Remembrances may be made to the donor's favorite charity.
