Peter A Arcaro

Peter Arnold Arcaro passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Ocala, Florida.

Born in the Bronx, New York, on December 29, 1943, Peter was the son of the late Peter and Muriel (Wildstein) Arcaro.

Peter leaves behind countless cherished memories with his beloved wife of 27 years, Julie Arcaro; his daughter, Tara Schmidt, her husband, Timothy, and their children, Abigail and Stephanie; his daughter, Tabatha Ortiz, her husband, Felipe, and their children, Mateo and Isaac; and his daughter, Tiffany Fowler, her husband, Christopher, and their children, Roman, Nick and Logan; and his in-laws, Joe and Joan Battle.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Arcaro; his mother, Muriel Arcaro; his brother, Anthony Arcaro; and June Arcaro, the mother of his children.

Peter attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and proudly served in the United States Army. One of his favorite military traditions was Reveille, the bugle call that signaled the start of a new day, which he often played in the early mornings for the troops with his trumpet.

Following his military service, Peter moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he pursued a master's degree in music. After living in the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles, he relocated his family to Wilburton, Oklahoma, where he accepted the position of Head of the Music Department at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

His dedication to education and lifelong learning led him to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. A devoted father, educator, and musician, Peter encouraged all three of his children to pursue music. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, and he composed several musical scores for his daughter’s high school band programs.

In 1991, Peter began a new chapter in Florida when he became Head of the Music Department at Lake-Sumter State College. Over the next 23 years, he inspired and mentored countless students before retiring at the age of 71.

Even today, Peter's impact continues to be felt throughout Lake County. His daughters are frequently approached by former students who share stories of him as an exceptional professor, a gifted musician, and a man whose warmth, laughter, kindness, and love of life left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Throughout his life, Peter embraced every opportunity for adventure and music. He proudly performed with the Frank Zappa Band and appeared on one of their albums, marched in the Rose Bowl Parade, and traveled throughout Europe on multiple occasions. Whether sharing his passion for music,

exploring the world, or cheering on his beloved New York Mets, Peter approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy.

Peter will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his students, and the music he loved so deeply. A gifted educator, accomplished musician, devoted husband and father, and lifelong adventurer, he touched countless lives through his teaching, mentorship, humor, and generosity. His legacy lives on through the many lives he enriched both in and out of the classroom, and through the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Hospice of Ocala for the compassionate care provided during Peter's final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Ocala in Peter's memory.