Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, December 7th, 2013, at Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Francis Harry Arnone, age 73, died in the arms of his family, on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Born December 15, 1939, in the Bronx borough of New York City, to Margaret and Harry Arnone, Francis was educated in the traditional Italian Catholic school system and attended Fordham University majoring in merchandising and minoring in theology.
It was at Fordham where he first fell in love with Jesus while studying the Gospels.
In 1961 Francis married his high school sweetheart Betty Ayers. They met in homeroom their freshman year and participated in marching band together; he was the bass drummer and Betty the head majorette. Together Francis and Betty raised three children: David Arnone, Elizabeth Gullen, and Francie Kuehner.
Francis worked in the retail industry originally as a dress buyer and ultimately served in the role of CEO for major department stores including Weinstock’s, The Broadway and Marshalls. Francis retired at a relatively young age and devoted the remainder of his life to loving Jesus, his family, and Church.
Francis was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill, CA. Francis led Bible studies, served as a Stephen’s minister and supported and prayed with individuals at important life moments. This summer Francis was recognized for his “Prayer and Word” ministry, a daily devotional publication sent to over 200 recipients.
Francis will be best remembered for his deep and consistent love for Jesus, family, and others. In addition to Betty and the 3 children Francis leaves behind grandchildren Gracie and Maddie Gullen, and JaneAnne and Anthony Arnone.
In the words of granddaughter Gracie, “He lived a life of purpose and loved like no one I have ever known. We will miss you Pappa.”
