Arnold Gold

Arnold Gold, retired President of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio and a well-known automotive executive both locally and in New Orleans, passed away Monday, September 7th just 18 days shy of his 86th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Helen. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jean; sons Ron (Carolyn Fralix), Steve (Alice), Todd (Stella) and Danny; grandchildren Grant, Matt, Garrett, Leslie, Ian, Cole Mirek, Amber Holcomb-Keene and Sean Adams; great grandchildren Holden Keene, Quentin Adams and Dylan Hernandez; and his beloved Maltese, Mellie.

Though he was born in Bisbee, Arizona, he claimed to be a Texan. He served his country in the Korean War in the Counter Intelligence Corps and as an MP becoming a "car" man when he returned to the states. Arnold loved the automobile business, spending his entire 65-year career associated with Tom Benson, who was also a dear friend. He began as a salesman at Ormsby Chevrolet before it was purchased by Mike Persia (from New Orleans), who brought Benson to San Antonio as the dealer/operator. He spent four decades with Benson, rising to General Manager of Benson Chevrolet before moving to New Orleans to partner with Benson in purchasing Mike Persia Chevrolet and establishing Benson & Gold Chevrolet. Itching to get back to Texas, Benson gave Arnold the opportunity to return as President of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio, where he spent the next 20 years growing the business into one of the top performing and admired Mercedes dealerships in the country. He served on the Board of Directors for numerous banks in the Benson organization. Over the years, he influenced the careers of dozens of automobile industry professionals nationwide. He was a dedicated, firm, straight-shooting businessman who was loyal to his staff and associates. They reciprocated that loyalty with many working alongside him for decades.

Growing up during the Depression, Arnold came from humble beginnings, bagging groceries and hopping fences as a meter-reader for CPS. His circumstances motivated him to excel and instilled a work ethic in him that he passed on to his children. He traveled extensively with his wife and friends throughout the years. In his retirement, he continued to enjoy watching the New Orleans Saints, playing dominoes, cooking and savoring every meal.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel at Temple Beth El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas with Interment to follow at Beth El Memorial Gardens.

Rabbi Nathan, Rabbi Stahl, and Cantor Berlin will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth El or a charity of one's choice.