Arnold (Arnie) DeBease was born May 9, 1929, in Port Chester, NY and passed away surrounded by family, in Tucson, AZ on July 31, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Angela DeBease and his siblings Frank, Robert, John and Elenor. Arnie is survived by his wife Gloria DeBease and five children: Amy Rod (Chris), Brian DeBease (Linda), Tracy Schmid (Brad), Debbie Wolgemuth, and Sharon Harkins (Rich); 10 grandchildren: Braxton, Mackenzie, Zach, Sean, Daniel, Victoria, Jackie, Nick, Courtney, and David. All of whom he dearly loved and cherished.
Arnie spent his early years in Port Chester. After high school, he joined the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He married Gloria on November 20, 1965 and they moved to Yorktown Heights, NY where they raised their family. In 1997, after retiring from Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Arnie and Gloria moved to Tucson, Arizona. Arnie enjoyed the Tucson weather and became involved in the AZ Diamondback Spring Training where he volunteered for almost 20 years. He was an avid sports fan and continued to follow the NY Mets and NY Giants while in Arizona. He also grew to love the AZ Diamondbacks and AZ Cardinals. Arnie was a season ticket holder to the University of Arizona football, basketball, baseball and softball teams.
He attended Corpus Christi Catholic Church where he was an active Knights of Columbus member. He will be remembered for his smile, warm heart and giving spirit. Arnie, a kindhearted, gentle man, who could cure a bad day with his hugs, created wonderful memories for his family. While he will be missed here on earth, we know he will find peace in heaven surrounded by his brothers, sister, and parents.
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