John Colin Macarthur

John C. MacArthur, 61, known better to his friends and family as Jay, passed away early Monday morning April 11th, as a result of injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Jay is survived by his wife, Dale MacArthur, three sons, Jason, Jesse, and Justin MacArthur, daughter, Cathleen MacArthur, and step daughter, Marissa Cartwright; also his two brothers, Stewart and Scott MacArthur, three sisters Diana Gardner, Delores Soto, Debbie MacArthur. Jay enjoyed spending time with his four grandsons Anthony, Joshua, Dylan, and Nathan, as well as his three lovely granddaughters, Carolanne, Hailey, and Caroline. He was predeceased by the mother of his four children the former Carol Rivard. Jay was born in Sault St. Marie, Michigan but was raised in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he spent most of his life. He served in the United States Army from 1968-1971, during the Vietnam War. While in Fitchburg he was the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Back to Back, a classic rock and oldies band that entertained people all over southern New England for around 30 years. He had moved down to Lakeland, Florida with his wife Dale in 2006, where he enjoyed the weather and the fishing Florida had to offer. He was a trailer mechanic for CTL Transportation, a Florida based tank trucking company that hauls chemicals nationwide. Those that knew him are blessed to have done so and he will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. In memory of Jay there will be a Celebration of Life held at the American Legion at 200 Daniels St. Fitchburg, MA at 11 am on Saturday the 16th of April. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McKay Campus School Music Department, 67 Rindge Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.