The family of Stephen Gardner Arnold and Karen Frances Arnold announces with deep sadness that they passed away within days of one another: Stephen on June 9, 2026, and Karen on June 22, 2026. Karen and Steve — or “The Girlfriend” and “The Boyfriend,” as they called one another — shared everything in life: love, marriage and family. In that way, there is comfort in believing they were called home together to continue their love story.
It all began on St. Patrick’s Day in 1983, when Steve was at a business dinner and Karen was dragged out by friends. Steve spotted Karen from across the bar and left his colleague to try to woo her. While the Arnold men were well known for their wooing abilities, Karen was not so easily swayed. Ever the romantic, Steve sent countless notes, flowers and cards — until Karen broke up with him! Nevertheless, he persisted, and with some encouragement from her mother, Connie, Karen decided to give him another chance. Before long, Karen came home one night with a ring and told her parents she was getting married. The story goes that her mother exclaimed, “I told you to date the guy, not marry him!” The rest, as they say, is history.
Karen and Steve were married on September 22, 1984, and shared 41 years of marriage.
Stephen Gardner Arnold was born on February 21, 1954, in Fall River, to Byron Lester Arnold and Barbara McCoy Arnold. A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, Class of 1972, he developed a lifelong love of music — especially the clarinet, which he played in the pep band at games. Although Durfee usually lost, it was always fun, nonetheless. Stephen graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in English. An avid reader in his youth, Steve said that he would have loved to be a history teacher had he not gone into sales. He spent his career in retail and sales, first at CVS, followed by BJ’s Wholesale Club, Hills Department Stores, Pergament Home Centers and finally Toys “R” Us, where he retired as vice president of sales for the outdoor division.
When he was not working, Steve could be found on the golf course or with his family — his two greatest loves. He was always quick with a joke or a funny anecdote, and at an Arnold family gathering you could rest assured that your glass would never run dry.
Karen Frances (Tierney) Arnold was born on September 15, 1958, in Lockport, New York, to Leo Edward Tierney Jr., USMC, and Constance Murphy Tierney. Raised in Brockton, Karen graduated from Brockton High School in 1976. She continued her education at Aquinas Junior College in Milton, where she earned her associate degree. Karen worked for several years as a legal secretary until the birth of their first child, Andrew, in 1988, followed by Matthew in 1990. Karen loved reading, gardening, lunch dates with friends and shopping, but most of all she loved her family. She was a marvelous homemaker and cook, although dinner often began around 9 p.m. because she loved talking while she cooked. Karen always thought of everyone before herself: cards, meals for sick neighbors, custom baby baskets for friends’ grandbabies, the occasional polo shirt and shorts from Kohl’s because, “I just had to buy it for you!” and so much more. She tried so hard to make everything beautiful for everyone.
Stephen and Karen are survived by their sons, Andrew Arnold and his wife, Claire Symanski, of Holbrook, and Matthew Arnold and his wife, Holly Cameron, of Marblehead; Karen’s siblings, Kathy Cogliano of Plymouth, and Kevin Tierney of Brockton; Steve’s siblings, Mark Arnold and his wife, Jill, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Terri Arnold of Fall River; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and six beloved grand kitties.
They also leave behind many beloved friends, including Fred Hurley; Susan and Tim McMullen; Cheryl and Robin Sampson; Joe and Peggy Lancelotti; and so many others.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen and Karen’s memory may be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
