Obituary for Fr. John Arnold

Rev. John P Arnold, JCL, passed suddenly on June 18, 2026 following a brief illness. Born June 1, 1956 in Tucson, Arizona, he graduated from St. Peter and Paul Catholic School, Salpointe Catholic High School, and the University of Arizona. He attended Gonzaga University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor in 1982. After serving as a district court law clerk for the Hon. Alfredo C. Marquez, he practiced law with the firm of Bilby, Shoenhair, Warnock & Dolph, (later Snell & Wilmer) for approximately 10 years.

He earned a Master of Divinity from Sacred Heart School of Theology in 1998 and was ordained in the Diocese of Tucson on June 6, 1998. He subsequently obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America in 2005. He began his service as a priest at Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma, where he also served as Administrator of St. John Neumann Parish. He was pastor at Saint Ambrose Parish for seven years, and Saint Anthony of Padua for four years before becoming pastor at Saint Mark the Evangelist in Oro Valley in 2014, where he served as pastor until his death.

Fr. Arnold pursued many interests over the course of his life, including fly fishing, hunting, and playing several string instruments, including the banjo and mandolin. Before becoming a priest, he took flying lessons, was briefly part owner of a wine store, and later became an accomplished baker. He generally pursued life with a curious nature and a kind spirit and was a true Renaissance man. He was also very well read, which allowed him to become a master homilist who used his extensive knowledge of history, along with a keen sense of humor, to apply scripture to modern life.

He is survived by his seven siblings, Tom (Karen), Mary (Paul) Leonardi, Rose (Victor) Fontes, Mike (Linda), Dennis, Kevin (Kathy) and Kathleen (Brian) Koppy; along with numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Arnold. 

A Remembrance Service and reception took place on June 25 at his Parish, St. Mark the Evangelist.  Visitation will take place Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., and a Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.