Arnold Birchwale, 79, The Villages, FL, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Arnold was born in Queens, NY, raised in Ridgefield, NJ and Schoharie, NY, married his beloved wife Shirley Claire Mann on September 6, 1958 and together raised their children Steven John and Carol Marie in Westwood, NJ and retired to Schroon Lake, NY before moving to The Villages, Fl. in June of 2007. Arnold was known, all of his life, for helping everyone. He volunteered his time, energy and knowhow anytime he was needed. He had a passion for keeping things clean and organized saying, “you need to have ‘systems’ for everything”. He would wave and say hello to everyone he passed along the way whether he knew them or not. His quick wit kept everyone he was around “in stitches”! You just have to keep people happy and make people laugh!” He served in the New Jersey National Guard, 156th Infantry. He was Owner/Operator of Mann’s Garage in Westwood, NJ from 1963 till he retired. He was a member of Westwood United Methodist Church, a Life Time Member of the Westwood Elks Lodge #1562 joining in 1967 where he was honored as “Officer of the Year” serving as Lodge Inner Guard, was the fourth person ever chosen as “Elk of the Year’ in 1974, the building chairman, the Elks softball team pitcher, and so much more. He was a member of Schroon Lake Community Church, Snowmobile Club, Fish and Game Club, Skylark Beach Association and the Schroon Lake Senior Center where he was honored as “Senior Citizen of the Year”. Member of The Villages Precision Golf Car Drill Team, The Villages Motor Racing Fan Club, Prius Club, Yesteryear Kart club, and the Inner Circle Club. He was preceded in death by his father Albert Henry Birchwale, mother Marion Veronica Cathcart, Stepmother Mary Veronica Carey, Stepfather “Patsy” Agostino, sisters Patti Marie Hopper, Marion Louise Ruefer, Eleanor Lorraine Adam, brother-in-law William Adam and beloved godson Joseph Albert Birchwale. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Shirley Claire Birchwale, son Steven John Birchwale and significant other Sheryl Ann Swayze, daughter Carol Marie Birchwale and significant other Steven Arthur Hirstius, Brothers Michael Ronald Birchwale, Albert Henery Birchwale, Sister Patricia Joan Greene, Brother-in-law A. Roger Ruefer, Timothy J. Greene, John W. Hopper, Jr., Sister-in-laws Diane T. Testa, Lucinda T. Corrado, Harriet J. Stiener . Ten Nephews and five Nieces. His family is welcoming friends for a gathering at his home in The Villages, Saturday March 7, 2015 from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. A memorial service is will be held at the Westwood Elk’s Lodge on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westwood Elks Lodge No. 1562 Payable to “Miracle on the Mountain Fund”, c/o John Cangelosi, 254 Calvin Street, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. “To Our Absent Brother”. . . . . .