Ronald James Arnault OBITUARY

Ronald J. Arnault passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2024 in Pasadena, CA at the age of 80. He was born and raised in Hornell, NY where his beloved mother, Margaret, was a nurse and his father, Ronald, ran the local hardware store. Ron attended St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School. After leaving Hornell, he attended Amherst College graduating in 1965 and received his M.B.A from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1969. Following Wharton, he began working at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) ultimately serving as ARCO’s Chief Financial Officer until his retirement.In addition to his time with ARCO, Ron was a huge contributor to the Los Angeles civic community. As a former Chairman of the Music Center, he made significant contributions to the Joffrey Ballet and was an important figure in the completion of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, he was heavily involved with the Center Theatre Group as a member of its Board of Directors and worked tirelessly on the Kirk Douglas Theatre project which opened in 2004. He remains as an Emeritus member of the Center Theatre Group’s Board of Directors. He also devoted significant time to Occidental College as a member of its Board of Directors and was named as a Trustee Emeriti. Ron was instrumental to numerous other boards as well including the Wharton School, SunAmerica Inc. and the Brookings Institution. He had the unique ability to cut to the heart of institutional problems and effectuate change. His impact could be seen throughout the community. Ron was a devoted father to his daughters, Ami and Lauren, and provided a never ending source of love and support. Despite his busy career, Ron could always be found on the sidelines of soccer games, driving carpool, and helping with homework no matter where he was in the world. He offered wisdom and humor to the numerous friends and family that often gathered at his home. A natural father figure to so many, Ron influenced lives through his generosity, kindness, and deep caring for others. Ron had been in declining health for the last decade, but prior to his decline he adored spending time at his home in Tahoe, traveling, reading and being with his family. He particularly loved to fish and be outdoors saying the most peaceful sound to him was the lapping of waves on a lake. Ron is survived by his wife, Terez, his daughters Ami and Lauren (with son-in-law David Fleck), his three grandchildren, Eloise, Leo and Fiona, his brother John (with sister-in-law Barbara) and nephews Bryan (with Kathleen), Eric (with Terri) and Brendan. A service will be held for Ron later this year in Hornell, New York. If you would like information regarding the service or care to be in touch with his family, please email: lauren.arnault@gmail.com.