Arnold J. Schapiro

Schapiro, Arnold J., 86, a resident of Laguna Woods, CA, passed away on September 14, 2010. He was born on September 18, 1923 in Baltimore, MD. Arnold joined the U.S. Army Air Force at the age of 18 in service of his country. Following 4 years of service in the pacific theater during World War II, he returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Irene. Following their marriage, they moved to San Bernardino, CA. Arnold worked many jobs in the foodservice industry, including the operation of Keyser's Cafeteria, a business started by his mother-in-law, Yetta. Arnold later went into business for himself and opened a franchised Del Taco Restaurant in September of 1968 – the sixth restaurant built in the chain. In subsequent years, he opened several other restaurant locations. The original restaurant is still family-owned & operated today. In 1976, Arnold and his family moved to Corona del Mar, CA where he enjoyed boating and fishing with his family and friends. In 2002, Arnold and his wife moved to a retirement community in Laguna Woods, CA where they enjoyed the company of many new friends. Arnold is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Irene. He is also survived by his sons, Steve and Rob; their wives, Kim and Claudia; his grandchildren, Missy, Brittney, Robyn, Brooke, and Brandon, and his great-granddaughter, Hailey. Services will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 2PM at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.