Arnaldo, fondly known as Arnold, was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico on April 2, 1925 to Aristides and Rafaela Perez. He was one of eleven siblings, a father of eleven children, a grand father of fourteen, a loving husband to his wife of 63 years, Elsie N. Perez, and a proud WWII veteran.
Arnold served during World War II in the 65th Infantry division. He loved to read history and kept up with current events.
He received numerous medals, including the Congressional Gold Medal and 2 Bronze Star Medals during his service. He was also a proud member of the Borinqueneers, a 65th Infantry Regiment Motorcycle Association.
After completing his military service and marrying his beloved wife, Elsie N. Perez, Arnold started his own real estate business. His free time was dedicated to his wife and children, reading and teaching his children about world events.
Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Elsie, his children Elsie, Kenneth, Lorelei, Karen, Darien, Arnold, Marta, Arnaldo, Lili, Angel, and Angeles, their spouses, and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Aside from his love for his family and hard work in maintaining 3 jobs to sustain his family, Arnold was passionate about giving back and making everyone feel special. He had an addictive and vibrant personality that made everyone laugh… “adding orange juice to his already made fresh fruit shake”, “adding corn flakes to his hot coffee”, “scratching his head and nose when he was ready to say something sarcastic”, “drinking his strawberry shake before eating his pancakes”, “a ritual of looking for his daily reading of the New York Post, and last but not least, “holding off on driving lessons for his daughters until they married as he was frightened of losing site of them.”
Arnold positively impacted his community by acknowledging and getting to know his neighbors.
Arnold, our father, husband, grandfather & hero is a legacy for all and will be truly missed.
Service
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302
Friday, January 27, 2023
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Mass
St. Roch's R.C. Church
602 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
Saturday, January 28, 202310:00am
Entombment
Marlboro Memorial Cemetery
361 Hwy 79, Morganville, NJ 07751
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Belinda Austin says
Dear Lori,
My condolences to you and your entire family at this time.
Lori Ruffo says
Thank you, Belinda.❤
Mark Henry says
Condolences to Arnaldo’s daughter, Lori, and his entire family. I got to meet Arnaldo a few years ago. I remember him being so proud of his family. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Lori Ruffo says
Thank you, Mark.❤
Angel Perez says
Father , vuela alto , 97 años , Dios te dio la oportunidad de vivir todos eses años tu filosofía fue que las historias que quedaron atrás son pasadas y hay vivir el presente y futuro se lo dejamos a dios , te mereces todas las bendiciones de tus hijos , ya San Pedro te abrió las puertas del cielo para que descanses con tu Padre Aristides y tu Madre Rafaela, y todos tus hermanos,, tu hijo que te recordara siempre, Ángel
Lori Ruffo says
Gracias hermano.❤ Papá te quería mucho.❤
Angel Perez says
Father Arnold vuela alto , 97 años ,a llegado Dios te dio la oportunidad de vivir todos esos años tu filosofía fue que las historias que quedaron atrás son pasadas y hay vivir el presente y futuro se lo dejamos a dios , te mereces todas las bendiciones de tus hijos , ya San Pedro te abrió las puertas del cielo para que descanses con tu Padre Aristides y tu Madre Rafaela, y todos tus hermanos,, tu hijo que te recordara siempre, Ángel
Karen Lozner - Perez says
Daddy, you are and always will be my true hero.
I will miss you, but will have wonderful memories of you and the joy you brought to my life.
I thank God for giving me the gift of you as my dad.
May you Rest in Eternal Peace u til we meet again.