The family of Stephen J. Arnold, 77, of Lancaster, announces his peaceful passing at home on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Stephen's life was shaped early by family, hard work, and service. In 1962, as a young man, he traveled with his father, Lawrence, to Lancaster to visit the site where their family would open its first McDonald's restaurant. That moment became the foundation of a lifelong career. Following his service in the U.S. Army—where he was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War—he returned home in 1974 and worked side-by-side with his father to grow the organization.

Stephen was happiest with his hands in the soil of his vegetable garden or gathered with loved ones around the pool. He cherished trips to Florida and Las Vegas; places filled with memories and joy. He was born in Huntington, NY to Sylvia and the late Lawrence Arnold. In 1999, he met Patricia, the love of his life, and the two were married in Las Vegas in 2018, one of Stephen's favorite places. Stephen leaves behind his wife, Patricia; his mother, Sylvia; children Stephanie and Austin; grandchildren Faith (fiancé Michael) and Chad; sisters Donna and Loree; stepson George (wife Lauren); step-grandchildren Howie (wife Marie Clair), Christopher, Callie, and Summer; and great-grandson Finn.

Friends and family will be received from 4PM to 6PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory with a greeting from 10AM to 11AM. Interment will be held at East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved deeply and the community he helped shape.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen's name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA, 745 West Governor Road Hershey, PA 17033.