Arnold Andrade

Our beloved Arnold Andrade departed peacefully from this life on March 22, 2023, after a short battle with lung cancer, at home in San Dimas, surrounded by his family. The meaning of Arnold’s name means ‘strong like an eagle’ which he remained despite his illness.
He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Jose Andrade-Vega and Maria de Jesus Rivera de Andrade on March 15, 1956.  He grew up in Boyle Heights with his siblings, Chela, Jose ‘Sarco’, Rachel, and Manuel.  He truly enjoyed family time and the friendships he had with neighbors. He always recalled and shared fond memories of his childhood.  Arnold attended Our Lady of Lourdes grammar school and Salesian High School, (class of 1975) where he acquired a love for football and played on the school team.  After graduating he continued his education at Cal State Long Beach and played on the football team for a short time before leaving to start working.
He met his wife, Susana, through a friend of his who happened to be her cousin.  They married on October 27, 1990 and had two beautiful daughters. They loved and celebrated their marriage for 33 years.
He was a devoted father and treasured his twin daughters, Sofie and Alina. He instilled the love of the outdoors in them, so much so that their studies are in ecology and veterinary sciences. They enjoyed their quality time with their dad going on adventures and hearing his stories .  He was known for his ‘gift of gab’ within family and friend circles.  He had many entertaining stories, even if sometimes he told them with a hint of flare. He was kindhearted and generous. If he knew it was your birthday, along with your gift, he would give you a $2 bill and tell you not to spend it because it was lucky, but if you were old enough and went to the casino, play it to the max!  
He was a dedicated employee and worked in the trucking business for 40 plus years.  During his free time he enjoyed the outdoors; hiking, hunting and camping, with family and friends. He also had a collector’s spirit. He loved helping family when needed and volunteering at the schools his daughters attended and at church with his wife.  He enjoyed going to high school football games with his godson, Alexander, because he said he preferred to watch a team play with their heart for the joy of the game and not for the money.

Arnold's passion for the outdoors has taken him hiking to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon and to Yosemite, to hunting in Utah and camping with family in the Sequoia National Forest and along the coast from the south, San Diego, to the north, San Simeon, California.

He is survived by and will be terribly missed by his loving family, wife Susana and daughters, Sofie Marie and Alina Rae, and siblings, sister Rachel (John) Labadie, brothers Manuel (Lily) Andrade and Jose ‘Sarco’ Andrade.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends that will miss him dearly.

Arnold had a big personality, and he leaves a big void in our lives. He will be missed in ways that not even words can express. Forever in our hearts and lovingly remembered.

We invite family and close friends to join us for Arnold’s services:

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Forest Lawn Covina Hills, Memory Chapel
21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA  91724

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Private Vigil
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Vigil 
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Rosary/Eulogy
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. - Vigil 

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church
724 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773
•    Funeral Mass starts promptly at 10:00 a.m. 
(Family video will start at 9:45 a.m. and end @ 10:00 a.m.)

Forest Lawn Covina Hills – Divine Shelter, Lawn Crypt, 470
21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA  91724
•    Graveside services following mass, cars meet and line up at guest entrance to drive together to location.

(There is no reception scheduled after services.)