January 2, 1935 – May 19, 2026
Arnold Rodrigues Fontes, lovingly known as Arnie, passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on January 2, 1935, in Gilroy, CA. Arnie was a lifelong resident of Hollister, CA, and a proud native of San Benito, County.
Arnie attended local elementary schools and graduated from San Benito High School, before earning a degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Santa Clara University in 1955.
Following College, Arnie proudly served his country in the United States Army through the R.O.T.C. Program as a Lieutenant and trained as an Army Artillery Officer. During his time stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life Helga “Terry”. The two were married in 1957 and shared 69 wonderful years together.
On September 1, 1970, Arnie was appointed Assessor of San Benito County. He went on to faithfully serve the county for decades, successfully running unopposed for eight consecutive terms before retiring on January 31, 2005.
Throughout his distinguished career, he served as President of the California Assessors Association in 1982, and as Treasurer from 1983 to 2000, while also contributing to countless organizational committees and civic efforts.
Arnie dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He was a 35-year member and Director of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce from 1972 to 1974, a 32-year member of the Hollister Rotary Club, where he served as President from 1979 to 1980, Treasurer for the Community Foundation for San Benito County, and an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a proud member of the Hollister Elks Lodge for 62 years and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Outside of his professional and civic accomplishments, Arnie was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling and cherished time spent with family and friends.
Arnie is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Terry Fontes and son, James Arnold Fontes (Jim). His granddaughters Kaitlyn Fontes Hindyeh, and Kristen Fontes Hindyeh Jarecky, one great-grandson. He is also survived by his nephew, Guenter Kantenwein and his wife, Brigitte of Heilbronne, Germany, Niece Cathy Miller and Ed of Bishop, CA. along with numerous nieces and Nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Francis Fontes of Hollister, CA, his Granddaughter Kristen Fontes Hindyeh, Jarecky, who passed away on November 2025 in Dana Point, his brother-in-law, Hans Kantenwein, and his sister-in-law, Kitty Wilder of Independence, CA.
Arnie will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his devotion to his family, and the lasting impact he made on the community he loved throughout his life.