Obituary of Arnold Prada

Arnold Jeffrey Prada, 79, of Cortland, passed away on October 4, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, NY. Born on July 2, 1946, in Cortland, N.Y., he was the son of the late Mary Ruth Tangredi and Anthony Prada. Arnie dedicated much of his life to hard work and community service. He was employed by Smith Corona from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. A proud and devoted member of the City of Cortland Fire Department, Arnie began his volunteer fire service in 1968 and earned lifetime membership. He also served his community as Fire Commissioner from 1986 to 2005, a role he fulfilled with great pride and commitment. Arnie was predeceased by his brothers, Moe and Pat Genovese, and his beloved wife, Christine Prada, who passed away in 2001. He is survived by his daughters, Theresa Carter and Jodi Prada; his sister-in-law, Joan Lord; and brother-in-law, Rev. Laurence Lord. Arnie was a loving grandfather to Matthew (Ashley) Cowen and Cheska Carter, and a proud great-grandfather to Kohra Carter, Declan Cowen, and Harrison Cowen. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home in Cortland, N.Y. A service for family and friends will follow, officiated by his brother-in-law, Rev. Laurence Lord. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cortland. For those who wish to honor Arnie's memory in the form of a contribution, you are asked to please consider: Hospice Foundation of Cortland County, Inc., 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, N.Y. 13045, or ARC, 16 Crawford St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045. Arnie's legacy is not just his service, but also his love. He will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his unwavering support for his friends, and his commitment to his community. His humor and heart will be missed, but his love will always be remembered