Mario Jorge Arnaez
May 14, 1956 ~ September 14, 2026
Born in:
Havana, Cuba
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailMario Jorge Arnaez, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Asheville, NC, on September 14, 2026.
Mario was born on May 14, 1956, in Havana, Cuba and lived in Coral Gables, FL, until retiring to Asheville in 2023. He was blessed to have the love of an extended family while growing up in Miami and Hialeah, FL. Mario graduated from Miami Central High and then attended Florida International University.
Mario enjoyed a successful career at Ultimate Software (ULTI) working there for nearly 30 years, rising to the position of Senior Director. He made many friends at ULTI, acting as mentor, guide and support for many people over the years. He was unofficially known as the “ULTI professor.” Mario truly believed in the incredible culture of ‘people first’ at ULTI and lived that culture in all areas of his life. His family and friends are very grateful for the outpouring of support from the ULTI community and the many beautiful, shared memories.
Mario enjoyed traveling extensively over the years with his husband Richard, often joined by their good friend Tony Tella. He also loved going to the theatre, movies and museums as well as getting together with friends for dinner and game nights.
Mario was a smart, funny, and compassionate man who had a refreshingly honest approach to life. He was very proud of his Cuban heritage. He sincerely cared about others and had a particular passion for the welfare of all animals. He believed in giving back to the community and volunteered at Zoo Miami and later in Asheville at the WNC Nature Center and the WNC Bridge Foundation.
Mario loved life and enjoyed every moment he had with Richard, his family, and his many friends, near and far. He also loved caring for his beloved dog Luna. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mario is survived by his husband, Richard Shannon; his beloved niece and nephews, Martha Christine Arnaez, Jon Arnaez and Joseph Arnaez; and his sister-in-law, Martha Arnaez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Olga Arnaez (Hernando), and his brother, Jose Arnaez.
There will be a celebration of Mario’s life on Sunday, October 18, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Tarantella Restaurant in Weston Town Center, 1755 Bell Tower Ln, Weston, FL 33326. A celebration of life will also be held in Asheville at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Western North Carolina Nature Center at wildwnc.org/donate/
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Love you forever ❤️
We love have you in our lives
I’m grateful I had the opportunity to get to know Mario. We were in a leadership development program together, and I got to see a different side of him than I had through our work. He was always so supportive, and I’m glad I had the chance to know and work with him.
My condolences to Richard and Mario’s family and friends. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Your mentorship, friendship, and personality will be missed.
I knew my friend for a short time, but he was one of my forever radiation friends. We would get to chat in our waiting room, and I loved him. I send all my love and condolences to Richard and his loved ones. He was a dandy ❤️
Thank you for the laughter, the craziness, the support, but most of all, thank you, sweet Mario, for being such a beautiful soul and such a dear friend.
You were, without question, one of a kind. Somehow, even the word “special” falls short of what my heart wants to say about you and what you meant to so many of us.
You will be deeply missed. Until we meet again, my sweet friend. ❤️
Mario was such a wonderful human being. Feeling so privileged to have had him in all of our lives. Thanks for making the world a better place!
I had the privilege during the happiest of our college years to be part of his inner circle of friends. This part of our journey lives were filled with wholesome laughter until we cried & couldn’t breathe, with hours of dancing with our friends until breakfast at Denny’s. Mario was a star disco dancer in all the best disco clubs in Miami & Fort Lauderdale. We went to different colleges but shared the seriousness of being good students. Last time I saw Mario was in Chicago. He was on a business trip in his early years at UKG. It was a pleasure to see through Facebook that all his dream in his youth came true. He built a beautiful life with Richard that included all the things he loved & hope for in life.
We lived parallel lives living our dreams building careers, contributing our communities
and living joyful lives with our loved ones. We both had the opportunity of traveling the world. We both have homes in the mountains – our is in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Same mountain chain as his just further north with bears and all. We were both blessed by God. My heart breaks that we did not see each other, one last time on this earth but I know a hug from Richard, Tony, his niece and nephews will be healing. Celebrating his life in Weston is something I look forward to. Most of all I am praying to God with all my heart and 100’s of prayer warriors too are praying with me that someday, that all of Mario’s loved ones will enjoy eternal life in heaven. In the meantime we have put all the people we love first and live our best lives with joy inspired by Mario’s memory
I had the privilege during the happiest of our college years to be part of his inner circle of friends. This part of our journey lives were filled with wholesome laughter until we cried & couldn’t breathe, with hours of dancing with our friends until breakfast at Denny’s. Mario was a star disco dancer in all the best disco clubs in Miami & Fort Lauderdale. We went to different colleges but shared the seriousness of being good students. Last time I saw Mario was in Chicago. He was on a business trip in his early years at UKG. It was a pleasure to see through Facebook that all his dream of his youth came true. He built a beautiful life with Richard that included all the things he loved & hope for in life.
We lived parallel lives, living our dreams building careers, contributing our communities
and living joyful lives with our loved ones. We both had the opportunity of traveling the world. We both have homes in the mountains – our is in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Same mountain range as his just further north with bears and all. We were both blessed by God. My heart breaks that we did not see each other, one last time on this earth but I know a hug from Richard, Tony, his niece and nephews will be healing. Celebrating his life in Weston is something I look forward to. Most of all I am praying to God with all my heart and 100’s of prayer warriors too are praying with me that someday, that all of Mario’s loved ones will enjoy eternal life in heaven. In the meantime we must put all the people
first with great love and live our best lives with joy inspired by Mario’s memory
I had the privilege during the happiest of our college years to be part of his inner circle of friends. This part of our journey lives were filled with wholesome laughter until we cried & couldn’t breathe, with hours of dancing with our friends until breakfast at Denny’s. Mario was a star disco dancer in all the best disco clubs in Miami & Fort Lauderdale. We went to different colleges but shared the seriousness of being good students. Last time I saw Mario was in Chicago. He was on a business trip in his early years at UKG. It was a pleasure to see through Facebook that all his dream of his youth came true. He built a beautiful life with Richard that included all the things he loved & hope for in life.
We lived parallel lives, living our dreams building careers, contributing our communities
and living joyful lives with our loved ones. We both had the opportunity of traveling the world. We both have homes in the mountains – our is in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Same mountain range as his just further north with bears and all. We were both blessed by God. My heart breaks that we did not see each other, one last time on this earth but I know a hug from Richard, Tony, his niece and nephews will be healing. Celebrating his life in Weston is something I look forward to. Most of all I am praying to God with all my heart and 100’s of prayer warriors too are praying with me that someday, that all of Mario’s loved ones will enjoy eternal life in heaven. In the meantime we must put all the people
first with great love and live our best lives with joy inspired by Mario’s memory.
Even though we’re apart now, the memories we shared will stay with me forever.
Forever grateful to have spoken to you one last time on Aug. 6, 2026.
Rest well my friend until we meet up again one day. My heartfelt condolences to Richard and the family. Love you always.
I am saddened by this news, and send big hugs and love to Richard and the family at this difficult time. Mario’s enthusiasm for life was infectious – always a smile, a happy outlook and generous heart. My sincere condolences –
I am gonna miss you brother.