Harold L. Arnold

Waltham – 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.

Family and friends will honor and remember Harold's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, April 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning in Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

To view Harold's Funeral Mass please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/harold-arnold at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, April 14th.
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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in some places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.