IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Arnold Stephen

Arnold Stephen "Sonny" Mathias Profile Photo

"Sonny" Mathias

March 7, 1937 – May 27, 2023

Obituary

My father Arnold "Sonny" Mathias, was incredible individual who left an indelible mark on the world of storytelling as an esteemed writer, teacher, father and proud Italian Catholic.

Sonny's journey as a screenwriter was one filled with creativity, imagination, and an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of the human experience. With every script he penned, commercial he wrote and directed he transported us to worlds both familiar and fantastical, touching our hearts and stimulating our minds. His stories had the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, to provoke thought, and to challenge our perspectives.

Throughout his 87 years of life, Sonny graced the silver screen with his brilliance, Magnum PI, Night Rider, and MTV videos. Arnold's scripts not only entertained us, but they also moved us, leaving a lasting impact on our hearts and souls. Arnold was a professor for multiple years at UNLV. He was loved by his students as he engaged them in his experiences in commercial writing, print ads and being a creative director at such agencies as Doyle Dayne Bernbach.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sonny was a man of great integrity, and patriotism. After graduating college he enlisted in the Army and was at the Bay of Pigs. His family, not far away in Florida slept while he and other troops kept them safe.

Arnold was not spared from adversity. The cruel irony of a writer having dementia. My father no longer able to write with flowery language and instead trying to remember the names of those he loved most. Despite his fading memory he could never forget his cat Kelly. He fostered Kelly from The Ark of San Juan rescue and quickly became a foster fail. The cat offered unconditional love and laid by him until his passing.

Dad, thank you for sharing your incredible talent with the world. Thank you for the stories that will continue to ignite our imaginations and stir our emotions. Your words have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we will forever be grateful for the gift of your storytelling.

May you find eternal peace in the realm beyond, surrounded God and by the characters and stories that were born from your brilliant mind. Rest in peace, dear Sonny, and may your legacy shine brightly, guiding future generations of storytellers.

Sonny's family has requested donations be made in his name to:
The Ark of San Juan Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 117
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693

(949) 388-0034
info@arkofsanjuan.org

Please send an email or call.  Emails will be responded to faster as voicemail is only checked once a day.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arnold Stephen "Sonny" Mathias, please visit our flower store.

Services

Funeral Mass

Calendar
June
26

St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church

33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629

Starts at 10:00 am

Interment With Military Honors

Calendar
June
26

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

Starts at 2:15 pm

Arnold Stephen "Sonny" Mathias's Guestbook

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