Obituary of Gary Elmer Arnold

Gary E Arnold Age 82 of Horseheads went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2024 following a brief illness. He was born on April 16, 1942 in Burdett, New York. He was the son of the late Clyde and Alma (King) Arnold. Gary was predeceased by his wife of nearly 52 years, Joan, as well as siblings Bruce Arnold, Bonnie Fenton, and Sharon Gibson and sister-in-law Betty James. He is survived by children Valerie Arnold, Lisa (Scott) Levack, and Steven (Stephanie) Arnold; grandchildren Nicholas and Zachary Levack, and Tabitha "Ashe" Arnold; brother Terry Arnold; several nieces and nephews. Gary was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam War from 1961-65 at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. He was a hospital corpsman. He rejoined the naval reserves in the early 1980s and was recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 serving in Newport, Rhode Island. Afterward he stayed in the reserves until he retired honorably as a Chief Petty Officer. After leaving the military in the sixties he began working as a surgical tech at the Arnot Hospital where he met his wife Joan. In 1969 he began working for the Oral & Implant Surgery Group of Elmira, Corning, and Waverly where he retired after 40 years. Gary was a member of the Community Wesleyan Church where he served as treasurer and played saxophone in services. Gary loved camping, playing saxophone, was a member of the PT Cruiser club, where he showed his prized PT Cruiser in Watkins Glen. He was also a master of the dad pun. He was a student of history, especially the American Civil War era. Gary also enjoyed reading mystery and adventure novels. Family and friends are invited to visit Barber Funeral home, 413 S. Main St., in Horseheads on Monday, December 2nd 2024 from 1 to 3 pm. His funeral service will be held there at 3 pm; Pastor Art Evans will officiate. Private committal and interment will take place at a later date in Union Cemetery of Hector in Burdett, NY. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make a donation in Gary's name to the Horseheads American Legion; 71 Old Ithaca Road Horseheads, NY 14845.