Obituary of Robert "Bob" Walter Arnold

Robert "Bob" Walter Arnold, 69, of Truxton, NY went to his eternal home Sunday, January 18, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with FTD and ALS disease. Bob was born April 21, 1945 on the family farm in Truxton, the son of the late Walter and Erma Riddle Arnold. Bob was a lifelong resident of Truxton, and graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1963 from Truxton Central School. In 1968 he graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelors degree in History. Bob's passion was working the land and milking "his girls" as he called his cows. He was part owner of Twin Oaks Dairy, LLC with his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Kathie. Bob was very proud of being part of the conversion of Twin Oaks Dairy Farm to become the first certified organic dairy farm in Cortland County. He was also a proud Yankees fan and wore his baseball cap everywhere. Robert served as the Truxton Town Justice during the 1970's. He was a member of the Truxton Methodist Church and Truxton Grange. Bob also served on the Truxton Town Board, Truxton Cemetery Association, and Truxton Grievance Committee. Most recently, he served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Organic Dairy Farmer's Cooperative. Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years Miriam Astacio of Truxton, daughter Elizabeth M. "Lizzie" Arnold and husband Aron Kaufman of Ithaca NY, daughter Maria V. Arnold of Truxton, siblings John Arnold, Kathleen and Otis Young, Patricia and Lou Utley, Helen and Stephen Leet, and Richard and Kathie Arnold, mother-in law Maitrella Acosta, brothers-in-law Rey and Josephine Astacio, Abiud and Gladys Astacio, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friend Ginger Martin. Bob will be missed by his furry friends Barney, Lucy, Molly, Gizmo and all his barn cats that relied on him for their daily meals. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by sister Elizabeth M. "Betty" Arnold, aunts Grace and Gladys Riddle, and father-in-law Francisco Astacio. Bob's family is grateful for the excellent care he got from his caretaker Luba, and the hospice care team Danielle, Nancy, Corey, Catherine, and Roy. Calling hours will be Friday 4-7 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland NY, 13045. Funeral services will be held Saturday 2 pm at the Truxton Methodist Church, 3670 Route 13, Truxton, NY 13158. Contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Upstate NY Chapter, 890 7th North St., Suite 108, Liverpool NY, 13088. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring when nature is in bloom again.