Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donald Arnold Obituary
Naples, FL
Donald L. Arnold, Loving "Patriarch," passed away on December 12, 2015 surrounded by his family. Don, born on October 27, 1942, was originally from Chicago, IL and a Naples resident since 1959. After attending the University of Florida on a Basketball scholarship Don and the Arnold Family were proprietors of Arnold's Variety Store and Gulf Sporting Goods. Don along with his father Arthur, established the family real estate business, Arnold and Arnold developing several of the Gulf Shore Boulevard Condominiums before continuing as Arnold Development Companies, developing commercial and industrial office parks in Naples and throughout the Southwest Florida area. Don's local business endeavors also included Don Arnold Lincoln Mercury/Honda which he sold in the early 1980s. His enthusiasm for automobiles inspired the forming of Arnold Motorsports a Winston Cup Nascar team. A hobby he enjoyed with his family. Don's interests and contributions were vast and varied. His love of life on "his terms" was evident whether being on his boat navigating the "high" seas or flying in his jet at lofty altitudes. His compassion and generosity was bestowed as he treated all with dignity and respect but his true passion pride and joy are his family. Don is survived by his five children, Andrea Arnold Jeppesen, Tamara Arnold Wright (Anthony), Dean Arnold, Drew Arnold (Lori), and Stuart Arnold (Nicole). His seven grandchildren, as he was affectionately known as "Big Pappa", Chase and Connor Jeppesen, Andrew and Emily Wright, Zach and Nick Arnold and Jackson Arnold. His loving companion of many years Clara Sweet. The mother of his children, Harlene Arnold Young; and his sister-in-law, Annette Arnold. Many other friends and extended family as Don took everyone under his wing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur L. and Dorothy Arnold; and his brother, John Arnold. Our patriarch has "earned his wings"-"Godspeed"! A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 388 1st Ave S, Naples, FL 34102. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Arnold
john shave
January 10, 2016
Don, I met you in 2012 through Dr Havig and I must say we became friends instantly.
You mentioned to me you were at peace with your colorful life and experiences!
Shaver will always remember you and miss you!
Shaver
Chicago
Kelly Lee
December 21, 2015
Tam and Drew so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
December 20, 2015
Drew and family, I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless
Robin M
Nate Pate
December 19, 2015
Don you will be deeply missed, and a big loss to the legacy you have left behind! Naples will not be the same without you and thank you for all the support you gave me while trying to find my own way! Love you and the truth you always spoke to me, I'll never forget you all the way back to being one of your thorns in your side while in Treasure Key growing up with your boys!!!!
Chansee Arnold
December 19, 2015
Rest in Peace Don. You were the best! You will be missed!
December 18, 2015
Clara,
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.
Mickey & Claudia Gordon
THE REIMER FAMILY
December 18, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all...Don was a man's man...that will be missed...
December 18, 2015
The Arnold Family
Met Don in 1962 at Arnold's Variety Store. His death ends a swashbuckling era in Olde Naples.
Rest in peace bionic Don.
Jim Jentgen
Erik Ullring
December 18, 2015
Don was always kind to my group and I'm thankful for knowing him. Rest in peace.
Joe and Diane Lowdermilk
December 18, 2015
Rest in peace Don. Prayers for the Arnold family.
Derrick Garrett
December 17, 2015
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Don. I never will forget our first meeting at Pocono Raceway and 3 weeks later my business partner and I were flying down to Naples to meet with him. What a great spirited person - Heavan has surely gained an angel. My condolences to the family and may God wrap his arms around you all during this difficult time.
Bill & Nancy Dillenbeck
December 17, 2015
Clara, we were so saddened to learn of Don's death. What fun we all had. When we remember him, we will Smile
December 17, 2015
To The Arnold Family,
With deepest sympathy, your family is in my prayers.
Love, Marie Calabria
Lisa Smith
December 17, 2015
Don your heart was larger than life. You enjoyed every moment that life had to offer. You left a large legacy in Naples. RIP
December 17, 2015
I am saddened by the news. I enjoyed driving for Don and have great memories of the times I spent in Naples with him. RIP. Derrike Cope
Sandy Hillman
December 17, 2015
Don will always have a very special place in our hearts! One of the kindest, caring, giving, and most of all loving Man I am proud to have made many great memories with. Praying for all the family and always in our Hearts! Mike and Sandy Hillman
Skip and Becky Marcotte
December 16, 2015
Our hearts go out to you guys. Stay Up!
Tami Langford
December 16, 2015
What can I say that hasnt been said in this beautifully written tribute...All our love. Tami and Rylie
Chantel Rammel
December 16, 2015
Thinking of your family at this time. Our prayers are with you in Indianapolis.
Ila Dykinga
December 16, 2015
To the entire Arnold Family my sincere sorrow at the lose of a "great" man. He was a dear friend and a second "Dad" to our Julie. God Bless your family
Carolyn Bright
December 16, 2015
Don, a great man with so many great memories! The times with you were full of fun times, accountability and life lessons I will never forget. You have a place in my heart forever!
December 16, 2015
To the Arnold families-our sincere prayers go to all of you -friends-from our family to yours.It has been quite the journey from the days when we lived next door in Glen Ellyn, to all the many times and memories we've spent together (our Dads pitching pennies),Christmases, Bob doing boat engine work in a "tree".
May Peace be with you, God Bless
Kristen (Berg) Diefenthaler
Kendra(Berg) Croll
David Hilburn
December 16, 2015
RIP Don
I will never forget you or the great times you shared with me in NASCAR. Also the Love you shared with Julie and I.
Thanx for everything.
Gods Speed.
Betty Hilliard
December 16, 2015
Clara, My thought and Prayers are with you. I know that you had enjoyed your life with Donald for many years, which made you so happy. The memories will last for along time.
DK Haas
December 16, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Don, his impact on people and the world was huge, just like his personality. My Dad has lost a dear friend and my heart goes out to Clara and the rest of the family.
Bruce and Kim Henson
December 16, 2015
Our sympathy goes out to Clara and all the Arnold family for your loss, and ours, as we knew Don and enjoyed his company and his great generosity.
Don Eytel
December 16, 2015
Our prayer to all the Arnold's Family at this time. Don was a great Dad and Grand Dad.
December 16, 2015
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ARNOLD FAMILY WITH THE LOSS OF DON. LIFE IS SHORT BUT MEMORIES ARE FOREVER.
PROFFITT FAMILY
Tara Williams
December 16, 2015
Uncles have a special role. Not being our father, they can be a friend and a supporter in a different way than anyone else in our lives. The loss of an uncle is a particularly hard one. Their loss, however, is filled with the years of happy memories we had, and that special connection that belongs only to uncles. Love always Tara! Sending prayers and love to Clara, Andrea, Tam, Dean, Drew, Stuart and all big Pappa's grandkids!
Andrea Decko McGuire
December 16, 2015
All my love and condolences to the entire Arnold family. Growing up with Arnold's in our beloved Naples has been an honor and a privilege. Godspeed Pappa Arnold!
Susan Hargrave
December 16, 2015
Clara, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you will find comfort in your memories of the wonderful life you had together.
LuLu Davis
December 15, 2015
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered.
Patti Dayton-Robar
December 15, 2015
Don was one of Naples' iconic friends to many. Great memories will be remembered by many. Condolences to all of Don's family.
Michael Martin
December 15, 2015
Don was an awesome uncle who was always there for anyone who needed him. He helped me get my first good job when I moved to Florida and I owe a good deal of my success today to him. My heart goes out to everyone in the family.
Pete and Linda Myers
December 15, 2015
Our deepest condolences. We loved Don very much.
Marylou & Glen Fadden
December 15, 2015
We were deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. We spent many pleasant days sailing the blue seas together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. "Fair Winds", buddy!
Robert & Henriette Short
December 15, 2015
Our condolences for all the family.
Don was certainly a larger than life personality and a great guy. We will miss him.
Tracy Mullaly
December 15, 2015
Sending love and prayers of comfort.
Ralph Palermo
December 15, 2015
My heartfelt condolences go out to your family. It was an honor to have known him. Don was a extraordinary man cherished by everyone who new him. May continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and your friends.
I will forever keep you in my my mind and in my heart.
Randy & Sandy Acres
December 15, 2015
Condolences from the Acres Family. You will be missed. The memories we have will last forever. Rest in Peace.
December 15, 2015
"I am So Sorry for your loss. Keep leaning on GOD and he will comfort you in this difficult time PSALMS 29:11
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Arnold's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Arnold
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Arnold's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
