John Gilbert Arno

John Gilbert Arno
August 3, 1937 – May 29, 2025
John Gilbert Arno, affectionately known as "Gibby" to his classmates and "Mr. Green Jeans" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by love, with his devoted wife holding his hand and his beloved daughter, Kimberly L. Johnson, at his side.
John was born on August 3, 1937, to John R. and Norma (Slater) Arno. He grew up in Dexter, Maine, where he learned the value of hard work early on while working on the family farm. That work ethic would become a cornerstone of his character throughout his life.
After graduating from high school, John proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, he met the love of his life, Bonnie M. Grace at a local skating rink in Connecticut. They were married on April 24, 1965, and spent 60 wonderful years together, sharing a life full of joy, adventure, and devotion. John and Bonnie loved to Dance, and John was an amazing line dancer.
John and Bonnie built a life rich with memories, from riding motorcycles and boating to weekends spent at the Lake Winnipesaukee home they built together. John had a long and dedicated career at Hamilton (later Sunstrand and RTX Collins), where he was immensely proud of his reliability, having never missed a day of work in over 35 years.
A man of many passions, John especially loved motorcycles, his truck, and gardening. He found peace and pride in his hobbies, and shared his enthusiasm freely with others.
John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bonnie Arno; his daughter, Kimberly Johnson, and her husband, Hugh; his half-sister, Mary Arno; and his sister-in-law, Susan Grace. He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law Judy Grace.
In John's memory, and in the spirit of his generous heart, please honor him by doing an act of kindness for someone.
For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.leetestevens.com