Mr. Arnold Pagan

Arnold Pagan passed on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Malcom Randal VA in Gainesville, Florida. He was 76 years old. Arnold was born on April 17, 1947, in Cayey, Puerto Rico. He was the son of Luisa Flores and Damaso Pagan. He was the brother to Carmen Milagros, Carlina Antonia, and Israel Pagan. Arnold Pagan graduated from Charles Evans Hughs High School, Class of 1966. He went on to marry Librada Pagan, the love of his life, who he chose among thousands. The two were married for almost 56 years. He was the father of three beautiful children: Arnold Jr., Charisse, and Bryan. He was the papa of four grandchildren: Mariah, Aidan, Ayla, and Emily. Shortly after tying the knot in December 1967, Arnold served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was honored with a Purple Heart. After being honorably discharged in 1969, Arnold worked with the New York City Transit Authority for a total of 28 years. Throughout his career in the MTA, he assisted on the lighting of the video set for Michael Jackson’s music video Bad as well as the movie, Jacob’s Latter. Notably, during his career, he worked to implement the switch from tokens to metro cards in 1994, which was no small feat for the city of New York. In 1997, shortly after retirement, Arnold moved from Brooklyn, NY to Ocala, Florida where he became the resident handy man. Arnold’s work spoke for itself, and he became well acquainted with the folks of Ocala where he built store fronts, cabinets, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. Yet, aside from a life of service and dedication to his craft, Arnold was known for so much more. He loved his family and with them his generosity knew no end. He was funny and kind and his dance moves were undefeated. He was the rock of our family, and we loved him dearly. Though this loss has been devastating for us, we are forever grateful to have had him. A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Roberts of Ocala, Downtown Chapel and the interment will be on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Bushnell National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or monetary contributions, we ask that you take a moment to remember Arnold by holding on to the loved ones in your own life because if this loss has taught us anything – it is that tomorrow is not guaranteed so we must cherish today.

Mr. Arnold Pagan

April 17, 1947 - November 20, 2023