Harold W. Arnold, Jr.

Harold W. Arnold Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully in Bethlehem, PA, on May 30, 2020 surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and his youngest great grandchild. Harold grew up in the Newark area.  He graduated high school with the honor of valedictorian and continued on to college as an adult while working full time.  He was a long time resident of Union Beach where he was an active community member and served as Board of Education President.  He then moved to Manalapan and eventually moved to Bethlehem, Pa. He was an Elk and served as treasurer. Harold had a strong work ethic and began working as a young boy.  The majority of his career was spent improving security for large corporations.  Although his career was in security, he was also known to do what needed to be done to provide a wonderful life for his family.  It was not unusual for Harold to have more than one job while his family was growing.  He sold real estate, did handyman work,and drove a school bus. He also took risks to make a better life for his family.  On weekends, he had a hot dog wagon that he ran out of a converted VW van.  He also owned and operated a restaurant on the weekends. Harold didn’t believe in taking the easy way out in any area of life.  When he made a commitment, everyone could count on him.  His moral compass was a guiding light in his extended family. 

    Harold was born into a large loving family, and had 6 siblings.  Through the years he planned many family parties, barbeques, and he could often be found enjoying fun nights playing cards at his house.  He was a generous man in many ways, but in particular with his time.  He is now reunited with Patricia, his high school sweetheart, best friend, wife and mother of their three children. Harold and Patricia were married on his 18th birthday, and remained happily married until Patricia's death in 2000.  They loved to go out dancing together on the weekends.  If one of them was working, the other would have a cup of tea waiting when they got home.  Together they built a life filled with love and joy. He taught his children, and grandchildren, that outgoing love was the finest emotion that we can know. He showed up for life, led by example, and always did the right thing. Harold had many interests, but being around people seemed to bring him the most joy. Harold, known to many as Pop, would glow when his grandchildren, and great grandchildren were around him.

   Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia Jean Arnold, son-in-law Jimmy McTernan, and his sisters Cecelia Hamilton and Peggy Ricciardelli.  He is also predeceased by his precious first grandchild, Brittany Csik. He is survived by his children, Pattiejean McTernan, Bernadette and Robert Fong, Harry and Diane Arnold.  He will also be missed by his grandchildren Chris Davis, Matthew McBride, Tiffany and Dan Palenscar, Courtney and Jack Goetzman,  John  and Anthony Minervini, Reilly Clark, Kasey Arnold, Chase and Garrett Fong.  He adored his great grandchildren Ethan, Zachary, and Carrie Palenscar, and they will grow up hearing wonderful stories about Pop.  Someone will have to continue his legendary handshake for children. His siblings, MaryAnn and Frank Maag, Robert Arnold, Regina and Al Diamond, Kathy Arnold will always remember their kind and trustworthy brother. 

Harold will be buried with his wife at St. Joseph Cemetery in Keyport, NJ. There will be a service in the future.

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