Arnold Peter Antognini

Arnold Antognini decided enough was enough and stepped out of his body via a massive coronary event on Tuesday, November 25th, 2014, two days before his 89th birthday. He was literally here one second, then gone the next. Without pain, suffering or fear, Arnold died with his boots on as many of his friends are agreeing they would expect nothing less of him.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife and constant companion of 20 years, Gael, also his sons, Dave and Bruce whom he loved and was so proud of; their mother, Dolores, daughters-in-law, Dayna and Patricia. Arnold was constantly inspired by his Grand children (their friendship and love for each other and their own, individual sense of independence), Audra (Tony), Trevor (Sierra) and Jered (Kendell) and Austin. and his Great Grand Children (Travis, Parker, Juliana and Abigail).

Arnold was preceded in death by his sister, Lidia.

Born, November 27, 1925, Arnold was first generation Swiss Italian and grew up in the pristine valley of San Antonio Valley Road in Petaluma, California.

Arnold's passion for Freedom reflected in his life in many ways.

While at Petaluma high school (nick-named Wahoo), his history teacher allowed him to pass history class in order to graduate so that he and a few other students, "could make history" and joined the Navy during World War II where he served in the South Pacific. An adventure which filled his heart for the rest of his lifetime.

Once home after the war, he went into the dairy business and for about 40 years had a successful dairy out on beautiful San Antonio Valley Road in Petaluma, CA, where his family lived.

During that time he helped to create the Volunteer Fire Department of San Antonio Valley in Petaluma, CA and was their first fire chief.

Arnold's interests were eclectic, lived large and played hard. He made grown men terrified if they were the passenger while he drove. He was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors and adored Sonoma County.

Later in life he became a handyman and served the Santa Rosa area where he was appreciated for his good work and honest labor.

Whether you remember him, milking a cow, cutting someone's tie in half at a party, riding a horse in Wyoming while hunting, breeding mules, raising longhorn, driving a fire truck, water skiing at Clearlake, driving his RV, playing with his Grand Children, Arnold always loved life and was ready for new adventures.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Arnold's name to

Honor Flight NorCal, 17669 Warwick Pl., Anderson, CA 96007

Last year in October, Arnold was able to go on this incredible journey along with other World War II veterans to Washington DC and visit the World War II monument. He was one of the fortunate groups that was able to still enter the monument although there were strikes going on…(the silly little barrier wouldn't have stopped Arnold anyway). This organization is incredible as it pays for all the expenses and the veteran does not pay for a thing…this experience touched Arnold on such a deep level and he was so overwhelmed by this experience he would appreciate you donating in his name to help another veteran have this fantastic experience.

An Afterlife party for Arnold will be announced and celebrated later in the year 2015 for friends and family.