Arnold P. Habuda Jr. 1944-2025

Arnold, known to family and friends as “Butchie,” was born Feb. 5, 1944, in Youngstown, the son of the late Arnold P. Sr. and Annabelle Kopko Habuda.

Butchie graduated from Liberty High School and from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

As a teenager, Butchie began working for Habuda Concrete Company, where he dedicated over 25 years of service. He later enjoyed a long and successful career as an independent salesman of educational reference books and encyclopedias, covering the state of Ohio for 35 years.

Butchie’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He cherished spending time with them and rarely missed their school activities and sporting events, particularly baseball. In his free time, he also enjoyed fishing.

In addition to his parents, Butchie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, the former Valerie Ann Finamore, whom he married Oct. 27, 1973, and who passed away June 6, 2004; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Lt. Col. John Hoza.

He is survived by two sons, Dr. Bradley A. (Gina) Habuda of Fort Myers, Florida, and Jonathan A. Habuda of Poland; two grandsons, Bryce Habuda and Brayden Habuda; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Robert Centofante of Hubbard.

Family and friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

A funeral service celebrating Butchie’s life will be 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Reid Lamport officiating. Interment will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the Ellsworth VFW Post 9571.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the Habuda family.

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