Gary Arnold

TAMPA, FL— Gary “Poppa” Arnold, 74, passed away in Tampa, FL after a 30 year battle with heart disease, a heart transplant, and kidney failure. Born Dec. 7, 1946, Gary was raised in Coal City, where he graduated and married the love of his life, Donna (Benson). They raised their three girls in Coal City before moving to Florida in 1991.
Poppa was an auto body repair man, detailing vehicles, tinkering in the garage and in the kitchen. He was the master of the grill, baked the best cinnamon rolls, loved bowling, cruise vacations, casinos, and cruising to the oldies in his Dodge Ram. His lasting legacy is that he taught his children and grandchildren the importance and value of family.
Gary is his survived by “his girls”, Kalene (Brian) Farrell, Krystl (Paul) Nicoletti and Kandi Custer; His grandchildren who he loved so deeply Brandan (Lynze) Nicoletti, Kyle Custer, Jakob (Misty) Nicoletti and Bethani Nicoletti; The last seven years he was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Braylyn, Weston, Briella, Blake and Tristan. Poppa also proudly called Juan, Lisa, JJ, and Lia Alfonzo, Tara Cooper, Jessica Brosey and Jen Lynch his family.
Gary was preceded in death seven short months ago by his wife, Donna, on June 9, 2020. A private ceremony scattering their ashes together at sea at sunset on January 29, 2021 is planned.