Arnold Curt De Lima, 58, of Loma Rica, California, passed away on July 6, 2023. Born on May 3, 1965, in Hilo, Hawaii, Arnold was the son of Ronald and Betty Lou De Lima.
Arnold spent his early years in Hilo, where he attended St. Joseph for primary through high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an Electric Power Production Technician from 1984 to 1991. During this period, Arnold rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, where he supported Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He spent most of his career supporting the 7th Space Warning Squadron at Beale Air Force Base in California, which is responsible for detecting and alerting forces of intercontinental missile launches.
During his career, he was awarded an Air Force Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster and discharged honorably. After his service, he would then make roots in the Yuba Sutter area and grow his beautiful family. Arnold would take his passion and expertise from his military career and flourish 32 years in the Power Production field. Most currently, he contributed over 20 years for the Yuba Water Agency as the Supervising Senior Operator.
Beyond his military and professional endeavors, Arnold was known for his contagious sense of humor and ability to make everyone around him laugh. He had a passion for woodworking that stems from his grandfather. He was a sports fanatic and loved to be outdoors, in which his interests involved hunting, fishing, off-roading, and boating. But above all, Arnold was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather – his love for his family knew no bounds.
Arnold was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Hilda De Lima; his maternal grandparents, Palmyra and Frank Tavares Ferreira (Sr.); and his brother-in-law, David Gunter.
He was the cherished husband of Della De Lima for 37 years; and the loving father to his son, Nathan De Lima of California (daughter-in-law, Nicolette); and stepson, John Guanzon of Texas. He was an adored grandfather to his 9 grandchildren: Zebediah, Atticus, Ember, Sterling, Leander, Jamison, Leighna, Josiah, and Nico. Arnold also leaves behind his sister, Renee; his brother, Robin (sister-in-law Margaret); his brother, Rodney; his mother-in-law, Omie Gunter; and father-in-law, Dewey Gunter; his two brothers-in-law, Ronnie and Donnie Murray; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
It is hard to imagine life without him. Arnold leaves behind a legacy. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who has had the opportunity of knowing him. His contributions to the world were invaluable and will continue to inspire others. He would want everyone to remember the good times and cherish the memories and laughs that were shared.
Arnold will be laid to rest with military honors in his hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. The family plans to announce information for his funeral plans when those details are finalized.
(originally published at legacy.com)