Peter L. Arnold

Peter L. Arnold (1953-2024) Topsham - Pete passed away peacefully in his home on November 10th, one day after his 71st birthday, surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born in Westchester County, New York to Robert and Esther (Palmer) Arnold and spent his summers at the family farm in Topsham, Vermont. His joys were driving the hills of Vermont and New Hampshire, playing guitar, mowing his land, and tinkering on anything from a truck to a vacuum cleaner. Pete met his wife, Ellen Butler Arnold, in 1981 at Chimes restaurant in Bradford, VT. He won her heart with his guitar playing, his voice and his gorgeous, long, blonde hair. They married on July 7th, 1984 and spent the next 10 years building their dream home together. Pete and Ellen did much of it themselves - anything you might hire someone to do, Pete bought a book about it and figured it out, or a friend pitched in. While building their home, they also were building a family, bringing their two daughters, Sarah and Becky, into the world. Pete was a lifelong truck driver and eventually owned and operated P.L. Arnold Trucking. He hit all 48 contiguous states numerous times and achieved 1 million miles with just one of the truck companies he was leased to. His family feels quite certain that he hit at least another million miles. Pete also spent some years on the Topsham Road crew, part of that time as the foreman. This job was very important to him and he was determined to do his best for the town he loved and our community. Pete’s family includes; His daughter Sarah Chianelli and her spouse Jules Chianelli. His daughter Rebecca (Becky) Arnold Ordway, her husband Jamie Ordway and Pete’s favorite and only grandchild, Jackson Arnold Ordway. His brother Robert (Robbie) Arnold and his significant other Roxanna Tillotson, his two daughters Heather MacDonald and Amy Murano and their families. His sister Pamela (Pam) Callahan, her husband Brion Callahan (dec) and their three daughters Megan Mancuso, Katelin Ljusic, and Erin Langley and their families. His sister Susan (Sue) Arnold Miller, her husband Robert Miller and their children, Emily Miller and Robert (Robbie) Miller. Chosen family includes; Richard (Richie) and Terri Hay and their children and families. Sidney (dec) and Mary Smith and their sons Steve, Scott, and Fred and their families. A Celebration of Life is being held at the Topsham Town Hall on Sunday, November 17th, from 1 to 3pm. Those who would like to express their online condolences may do so at www.halefuneralhomes.com

Tributes

Peter L. Arnold

November 9, 1953 - November 10, 2024