Arnold Pickett
February 5, 1932 –
February 24, 2022
ONEONTA – Arnold Irving Pickett, 90, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2022 in Leesburg, Florida.
Arnold was born on February 5, 1932, the son of the late Bertus and Mildred Pickett.
He grew up in Oneonta, graduated from Oneonta High School where he excelled in many sports.
He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Williams, in 1954.
In 1955, he joined the National Guard, served as commander of A Company’s armory at Oneonta, and retired in 1980.
He was employed at Briggs Lumber Company from 1956 and retired in 1980 as company president. In 1981 he purchased Seward Sand and Gravel and formed Pickett Building Materials and Oneonta Block Company. In 1985 Otsego Ready Mix was added to the company.
In 2012, he completely retired from the building materials industry so that he could enjoy and pursue his hobbies such as woodworking, travelling, horseback riding and boating, as well as enjoying his camp on Lake Canadarago. Arnold also loved sunny Florida and bought a winter home in Leesburg on Lake Griffin. He was very civic and served many organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Fox Hospital Board, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club, and the Lake County Florida Sheriff’s Department.
He will be remembered for his generosity and willingness to participate, donating many hours of his time to many good causes. He loved life and therefore led a full life. He was a role model to many who met him and a blessing to recipients of generous and anonymous donations.
Arnold is survived by his children and their spouses, Lorene and Brian Weidman of Otego, and Steven and Sara Pickett of Oneonta.
Special thanks to University Hospital of Florida and Hospice in Leesburg, Florida
Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m., March 22, at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta.
Online condolences to Arnold’s family can be made by visiting www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
Published on March 14, 2022
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