John N. Arsenault

Yarmouth, ME – John N. Arsenault, Jr., 81, of North Yarmouth, passed away peacefully to the other side on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Coastal Manor in Yarmouth, in the very neighborhood where he grew up. 

John was born on September 5, 1933 in Yarmouth, the eldest son of John N. and Jeannette (Scott) Arsenault Sr.  John attended schools there; graduating from North Yarmouth Academy in 1951.  Following graduation, John enlisted in the US Army and became a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division. 

After serving in the Army, John returned to the area and held jobs with various local contractors.  John married the former Carolyn Seavey of New Gloucester on September 17, 1960.  After briefly living in Freeport, they moved to North Yarmouth in 1961 to raise their family. 

John began his 30 year bus driving career in 1963 for the Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Department.  John had a deep love for the children and many still refer to him lovingly as “Johnny Bullfrog”. 

John was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman.  He spent countless hours in the vegetable garden while Carolyn canned, froze and pickled.  They both have been proud to tell the story of how their dill pickles made it all the way to the White House. 

John hunted and fished each season and enjoyed countless outings with his sons, as well as many lifelong friends. 

John and Carolyn enjoyed playing bingo, shopping the yard sales and making their daily trip to Denny’s in Auburn to visit with friends.  Special family times included summer camping trips, cook outs, birthday and holiday celebrations or a simple Sunday drive.  It truly was about the simple things in life. 

John was predeceased by his parents and four sisters; Josephine McNamara, Rachel Blake, Joanne Poyer and Lee Butler.  He is survived by his wife and two sons Joseph Arsenault of North Yarmouth and Kevin Arsenault and his partner Anne Edwards of Mechanic Falls; a daughter, Crystal Hall of Pownal; a brother, Michael Arsenault and his wife Maureen of Lamoine; three granddaughters, Michelle Arsenault, Lindsey Arsenault and Allison Hall; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his beloved cat and buddy, Tiger. 

John’s family would like to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Coastal Manor, Beacon Hospice and Dr. James Donahue for the kind, compassionate and loving care they have given.  In addition, thanks and love are sent to all of the friends, neighbors and family members who have selflessly helped out in more ways than could ever be counted. 

At John’s request, there will be no funeral services.  The family invites everyone to a gathering of remembrance on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 3 Gray Road from 4 – 7 p.m. 

If desired, contributions may be made in John’s name to:

Coastal Manor Activity Fund

ATTN: Barry Prentice

20 West Main Street

Yarmouth, ME 04096