Vernon Obituary: Paul Arnold, 72

Paul Everett Arnold, 72, of Vernon, passed away at home surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 12, 2016 after an all too short battle with cancer.

Paul was born in Springfield, MA, to the late Edwin and Kathleen (Grimes) Arnold on November 25, 1943. He was predeceased by his wife Alma Benoit Arnold of Norwich. He faithfully served our country in the United States Army, recognized with both Army Commendation and National Defense Service Medals, honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He was a 1961 graduate of Agawam High School where he served as class President and was an active athlete and member of the Agawam community. Paul was also a 1966 graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy where he was a member of Kappa Psi Fraternity.

During his career he worked as a Pharmacist for Vernon Drug and Westown Pharmacy until his retirement. He especially loved his work where he made many friends and enjoyed helping others. Those that knew him described him as compassionate and selfless with a subtle sense of humor, He was an avid sports fan, and rarely missed watching the Red Sox and his UConn Huskies. And boy did he love his donuts. He always made it a priority to support his children and grandchildren both on the field and off, supporting their many sports teams and interests throughout his life. He and Pam loved to travel and made many special memories from time spent with family and friends.

Paul is survived by his lifelong friend and partner Pamela Montagna Jakuboski; his daughter Heather Arnold Benedetti and her husband Stephen, and their children; Christopher and Caroline Benedetti; his son Scott Arnold and his wife Gretchen, and their children; Drew and Will Arnold; his brother Philip Arnold and his wife Judy and their children Valerie Mancuso, Craig Arnold and Debbie Lavin; Pamela's children Steven Jakuboski and his wife Cindy; Jeff Jakuboski and his wife Tami, their children Kayla, Julia, and Sophia Jakuboski; Dawn Jakuboski Lepak and her fiancé Stephen Fitzgerald, her children Hanna and Sara Lepak; Susan Watts Stemple and her husband Dr. James Stemple, along with her children Megan and Alex Watts; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, with family and friends gathering at the funeral home at 9 a.m. and a service at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. also at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Paul's name may be made to American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or Harry and Helen Gray Cancer Center, 85 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.

See more at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.