Richard Curtis Arnone

Family-Placed Obituary

RICHARD CURTIS ARNONE Richard Curtis Arnone, age 60, of West Palm Beach, died August 12, 2009 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Hospice Unit in Riviera Beach following a valiant seven year battle with renal cell carcinoma. Surrounded for several days by his family and friends, Rick finally went home to be with the Lord. He was born at Letterman General Hospital in the Presidio at San Francisco, CA. He spent the first few years of his life living in occupied Japan. He then moved with his family to the West Palm Beach area, where he lived since 1955. Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved parents, Michael and Nona Arnone of North Palm Beach, FL and one adored sister, Michelle (Kevin) Carpenter of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and her sons, Kyle and Shane. His older sister, Sandee, preceded him in death in February 2009. Her children, James Galloway, Karen Cameron and Amanda George all of West Palm Beach, FL were Rick's beloved nieces and nephew. He alos leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 26 years, Dr. Bonnie Arnone and two daughters, Julie Arnone and her children, Alexandra and Ryane of Charlotte, NC and April Brunjes and her husband, the Reverend Michael Brunjes of West Palm Beach, FL. Rick's beloved sister-in-law, Connie Spencer of Salisbury, MD, ministered to his physical needs in his last several days. Additionally, the members of his wife's family, especially Eddie Spencer of Kentucky and James Spencer of Delaware, will always treasure his friendship and their memories of him. Rick was a graduate of Riviera Beach High School and attended Palm Beach Junior College before enlisting in the US Army in 1967. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He also served in an atomic missile battalion in Ulm, Germany, before leaving the military. Rick was a faithful member and servant of First Baptist Church of Lake Park, FL where he had served gracefully in outreach ministry. In the past, he also served at Grace Immanuel Bible Church of Jupiter and First Baptist Church of Tequesta, FL. His greatest joy in life was speaking to others of the transformation that the Lord Jesus Christ had wrought in his heart and life. The family will receive guests Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home in Jupiter. A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Lake Park, 625 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL. A private burial ceremony will be held at the South Florida VA National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. The family wishes to thank the staff of VAMC Hospice Unit for their faithful ministry to Rick's physical and emotional needs in his last days. In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to make contributions to the American Cancer Society or the First Baptist Church of Lake Park.