Obituary of Vera Arnold

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved matriarch, Vera Arnold (née Moringiello), peacefully entered eternal rest on March 3, 2026, at Community Medical Center, surrounded by the love and prayers of the family who cherished her most, following a sudden and unexpected illness. Born on November 7, 1939, Vera lived a life defined by devotion to her family, enduring friendships, creativity, laughter, and unwavering love.

Vera was born and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, where she formed the foundation of the strong, spirited, and compassionate woman so many came to adore. In the 1970s, she moved to Monroe Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, later residing in Vineland, New Jersey, and most recently in Whiting, New Jersey.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 63 years, Tom Arnold, who passed away in September 2025; by her beloved twin sister, Marie Ciminiello; by her parents, Elvira Moringiello and Frank Moringiello; and by her favorite son-in-law, Brian W. Culver.

She is survived by her loving children, Thomas Arnold and his wife, Lori of Bayville, New Jersey, and Christine Culver of Freehold, New Jersey. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Brian Culver-Grossmith and his husband, Charles of Forked River, New Jersey; Samantha Culver of San Antonio, Texas; Heather Arnold of Bayville, New Jersey; and Colby Arnold of Bayville, New Jersey. She was especially proud to be the great-grandmother of her cherished and only great-granddaughter, Sienna of Bayville, New Jersey.

Vera leaves behind not only her immediate family, but countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives were blessed by her presence. She shared a special bond with her cherished crafting circle — affectionately known as her teddy bear club — where she and her friends gathered weekly to crochet, sew, and lovingly create handmade teddy bears. These gatherings were filled with warmth, laughter, and lifelong friendship.

Among the many things that will be missed, it’ll also include her famous cheesecake, mandel bread, and eggplant Parmesan. 

She had an affectionate and welcoming spirit that embraced everyone she met. Vera possessed a quick wit and a playful sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day. She loved deeply, hugged tightly, and found joy in life’s simple blessings — tending to her African violets, reading her favorite novels, creating beautiful crocheted pieces, and above all, spending time with her family. She believed in finding the good in people and trusting that even in hardship, there was light to be found.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing her love surrounds us still. To know Vera was to love her, and to be loved by her was a gift beyond measure. Her legacy of faith, resilience, laughter, and unconditional devotion to family will live on in all of us forever.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM with her funeral service to follow.   Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM graveside service on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in honor of her husband Tom can be made to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203, Roseland, NJ 07068.  For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com