Arnold was born to Armenian immigrant parents, Aram and Zara Gazarian, and raised on the family farm in Fowler during the Great Depression. He had a very happy home life, even though farm life wasn't easy during the Depression. Even the simple pleasures of life like buying an ice cream cone for a single nickel was an impossible luxury for his family. Although materially poor, he was spiritually rich.

Arnold attended Fowler Elementary & Fowler High School. He grew up in the Fowler Armenian Congregational Church as well as Fowler Presbyterian. Between church and farm life he developed a strong work ethic and core values.

Raised in a home that shared daily family meals morning, noon and night, and Sundays devoted to church and visiting aunts and uncles, he developed a deeply caring and attentive nature. He channeled this innate altruism into his community, offering a warm presence to everyone around him.

In high school, he was consistently described in his yearbook as the "swell" guy with the "Pepsodent" smile, and was known for his booming baritone voice, which he used to lead his high school musical plays and sing in the church choir.

Education was always emphasized, and he made his parents proud by being the first to attend college. Arnold graduated from Reedley College, University of California, Berkeley, and UCSF School of Dentistry.

After passing his state dental boards, he immediately served our country, entering the Army as a Lieutenant at Fort Hood, Texas. Once he returned home, he opened dental offices in both Fresno and Kerman. Despite having his hands full, he maintained his status as a gentleman farmer on the weekends. He never wavered spiritually and joined Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church after moving to Fresno. He was instrumental in helping build the beautiful church it is today while continuing his love of singing by performing solos and singing weekly in their choir.

Soon after, he met the love of his life, Dianne Berberian. From that moment on, they were hopelessly devoted to one another sharing a beautiful marriage that spanned more than 67 years. He would call her his Rock of Gibraltar.

Being involved in the community was always important to him. He was a member of the Downtown Exchange Club and Knights of Vartan for over 60 years. He served on the Grand Jury, Armenian Theological Student Aid, the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors, the Maddy Institute Board of Directors and was Chair of the Armenian Studies Program Advisory Board at Fresno State.

Arnold and Dianne received The Top Dog Award for their many contributions to Fresno State including the first endowed chair, the Haig and Isabel Berberian Endowed Chair in Armenian Studies, to ensure the preservation of Armenian history, language and culture. They also founded the Arnold and Dianne Gazarian Real Estate Center to provide industry research and community education and to promote the study of professional ethics.

Arnold was also instrumental in providing vital community resources in Modesto, such as The Haig and Isabel Berberian Patient Services Center, which serves as a major hub for end-of-life care, pediatric care, and grief support programs, as well as the Haig & Isabel Berberian Homeless Shelter and Transitional Living Center providing emergency lodging, meals and services operated by the Salvation Army of Modesto. He also established the Presidential Chair in Dentistry at UCSF School of Dentistry.

Arnold was a loving husband, father, dentist, businessman, community leader and philanthropist. Even as his health was failing, he possessed a deep passion for anything business and loved sharing stories of his upbringing. He had a rare gift for making others feel seen and heard, always showing a sincere interest in their lives. We want to give a special thanks to Dr. Steven Chooljian, Arnold's caregivers and the staff at San Joaquin Terraces Rehabilitation for such wonderful care.

Arnold is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years and his 4 daughters and their families. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to, the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Fresno, CA, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or your favorite charity.