Maximilian Jacob Arnett

Max Arnett of Dover died on August 23, 2025 at the age of 25 as result of combat activity in Ukraine. 

He was an international volunteer member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces - 3rd Assault Brigade - where Max had earned designation as a squad leader.

Max was born in Dover on September 2, 1999 to Juli and Matt Arnett. Always an active boy, Max was frequently out and about on an adventure or secretively working on a project. Max’s outwardly intrepid demeanor belied a sensitive, thoughtful, and often private fellow, who spent considerable time pondering and studying serious subjects. As the years passed, this side of Max became much more apparent as he would engage in deep conversations, with the right person, with earnestness and an impressively informed view.

Max graduated from Dover High School in 2018 where he particularly enjoyed studying history and personal finance. Max had said his personal finance class was among the most important classes he had attended, which was supported by his nearly obsessive interest in being both frugal and smart with his money. The value of disciplined saving, savvy investing and compound interest was not lost on Max.

Max also enjoyed his time with the DHS Marching Tornado drumline and the steel drum band during high school.

After high school Max attended Stark State to earn an A.S. degree in Police Science and receive law enforcement training for his OPOTA certification. Max then had the privilege of working as a reserve officer for New Philadelphia prior to going to work as a full-time police officer at Sugarcreek, his hometown of Dover and the City of Kent just prior to going overseas early in 2025. Max enjoyed working in law enforcement for the variety of experiences he encountered, which helped inform him on the human condition.

Max was a staunch supporter of Ukraine and its right to exist as a sovereign democratic nation, a story he had followed since the invasion of Crimea in 2014. Max had stated that he felt it important to step up and serve for a country where fathers and sons with much more to lose had already placed their lives on the line. He served with support of a family that, although sorry to see him leave and worried for his safety, respected his courage, commitment and his principled stand for freedom and democracy.

Max met some outstanding people through his work in a variety of jobs - he was a good judge of character. Max appreciated people where he found them, and strived to connect - he made many friends. Many will miss his humor, wit and thoughtful insight on the many facets of human experience and behavior.

Max’s passing leaves behind both a tremendous pride in him and massive heartache for his family, friends and fellow soldiers. Max is survived by his parents, brother, Noah, sister, Zoie, Grandparents Hal and Carol Skodney, Aunt Beth (Skodney) and Uncle Ed Kouche of Batavia, Cousins Maddie and Nate Kouche, Uncle Shannon and Aunt Suzanne Arnett of Grove City, as well as numerous cousins and extended family members.

Max’s family will honor him with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the following foundations in support of Ukraine, its people and soldiers: https://u24.gov.ua/   https://sp4ukraine.org/ 

Honor those fighting and those who have fallen - Glory to Ukraine !