Obituary: Fr. John Arnold

Reverend John Peter Arnold, JCL, JD
Born: June 1, 1956
Ordination: June 6, 1998
Entered Eternal Life: June 18, 2026
-Catholic Education
Attended St. Peter & Paul Catholic School, Tucson, AZ, 1970
Attended Salpointe Catholic High School, Tucson, AZ, 1974
Attended the University of Arizona, B.A., 1978
Attended Gonzaga University, J.D, 1982
Attended Sacred Heart School of Theology, M.D, 1998
Attended Catholic University of America, JCL, 2005
-Personnel Appointments
Immaculate Conception, Parochial Vicar, 1998-2002
St. John Neumann Parish, Administrator, 2002-2003
St. Ambrose Catholic School & Parish, Pastor, 2003-2010
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Pastor, 2010-2014
St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Pastor, 2014-2026
The Tucson community reflects with gratitude on the peaceful passing of a beloved spiritual father, whose extraordinary legacy of devotion and faith continues to inspire us all. Fr. John Arnold devoted more than 28 years to the Catholic priesthood, touching the hearts of countless students, families, and communities. His steadfast dedication to helping others has touched countless lives throughout our Diocese, and he will be immeasurably missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. 

Fr. John began his path to the priesthood as early as 1970, when he graduated from St. Peter & Paul Catholic School and moved on to Salpointe Catholic High School, Class of 1974. It was not until 1998, 28 years after St. Peter & Paul, and after earning his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University in 1982, that Fr. John Arnold was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Manuel Moreno. During his time in the Diocese of Tucson, Fr. John earned a reputation as a Giant for his deep involvement in the communities he served. He was a true evangelist, opening people's hearts to Christ. He acted as a spiritual director to the schools he supported and, most importantly, served as a father to both the Church and the Diocese of Tucson.