Arnold, Harold

Mr. Harold L. Arnold, of Waltham, died Friday, April 9, 2021 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln after a week's battle with cancer. He was 85.

Harold was born in Waltham on April 24, 1935, a son of the late John and Caroline (Schnitzlein) Arnold, and had been a lifelong resident. He attended Saint Charles School and then he served with the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

The best part of his life began on April 4, 1964 when he married Betty Cummiskey in Saint Charles Church and the pair began welcoming their three daughters into the family. Until he retired Harold worked as a senior custodian for the Waltham School Department.

He was a star athlete in high school and his love for sports continued throughout his life. He followed local, college and pro sports. After his retirement he especially enjoyed watching his youngest grandchild, Abby, play lacrosse and soccer and delighted in not only being her biggest fan, but also her faithful chauffeur.

Harold was long active in local politics and was a member of the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 in Waltham. He also had been a member of the Holy Name Society at Saint Charles Church and at Saint Mary's Church.

In retirement he and Betty also traveled extensively . . . Aruba being his favorite destination and both looked forward to outings that included Broadway shows and musicals. In addition to his wife of fifty-seven years, Elizabeth A. "Betty" (Cummiskey) Arnold, he leaves his children, Anne Arnold (Rocky Morrison) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Janet Vanaria (Richard) of Lowell and Patricia Arnold (Scott Wedekind) of Waltham, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Harold was also a brother of the late Robert and John Arnold and Rita Karem.