Paul K. Arnold, 89, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Born on December 28, 1936, in Endicott, New York, Paul was the only child of Glenn Wolcott Arnold and Eloise Gertrude Winans. He was raised in Owego, New York, a community that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

From an early age, Paul was drawn to music and performance. As a young man, he regularly appeared in musicals and theatrical productions. He was also a devoted Sea Scout before serving in the United States Navy.

Following his honorable discharge, Paul pursued a distinguished career as a professional opera singer, developing his craft through the Tri-Cities Opera Company in Binghamton, New York. His career brought him to stages around the world, performing opera, pop, and jazz. Among his many highlights were appearances in Radio City Music Hall's annual Christmas Spectacular in New York City and performances at the Spoleto Festival in Spoleto, Italy. He also performed in summer stock productions, including The Fantasticks alongside Jerry Orbach. In addition to performing, Paul shared his gifts through teaching music and voice, and through his love of piano and guitar.

After retiring from professional performance, Paul began a second career as a licensed insurance and investment broker. For several decades, he helped individuals and families plan for their futures, work he found deeply meaningful and took great pride in. Long before entering the profession himself, Paul admired the idea of helping others build stability and security through thoughtful planning, and he carried that sense of purpose throughout his career.

In the later years of his life, Paul dedicated himself to serving others and strengthening his community. For more than two decades, he delivered meals through Meals on Wheels. He taught gardening and literacy to local schoolchildren, mentored countless young people, and helped organize youth sporting events and Black History Month celebrations. Each fall, he provided backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need, and each Christmas, he helped make sure gifts appeared beneath their trees. He also helped prepare and serve meals for members of the community facing hardship.

Paul treasured lifelong friendship. More than sixty years after graduating, he kept in touch with childhood friends and classmates and was known for organizing reunions.

Throughout his life, Paul was a devoted Christian and an active member of both Owego United Methodist Church and Boulevard United Methodist Church.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne Marks Arnold. He is survived by his daughters, Davida Arnold and Claudia Arnold Cox; his grandchildren, Fionnley Arnold-McCorkle, Lila Arnold-McCorkle, and Miles Fulmer; and his beloved, Carmen Swoffer.

Paul was a cherished father, grandfather, partner, mentor, and friend. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral Services will be held at Boulevard United Methodist Church, corner of Grand Boulevard and Floral Avenue, Binghamton, Saturday May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. Rev. Carolyn Stow will officiate. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park.