Gerard J. Arsenault

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Andre and Leonie (Gaudette) Arsenault of Canada.

In 1958 Gerry received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Boston College and stayed at Graduate School to get his Master’s Degree in Modern Language. He accomplished all this even though he was blind. Gerry also received many awards and citations from the Governor of Virginia and the New Bedford City Council. He was the coordinator of the New Bedford Visual Support Group for 18 years and a Rehab Teacher for the Virginia Commission for the Blind for 23 years.

He was a member of the Catholic Guild for the Blind, St. Anthony Seniors, Royal Travelers, Association du Canado American, The French Richlieu, MA Association for the Blind and a former member of the New Bedford Lions Club.

Gerry was a very humble man who never discussed his generosity, kindness, compassion to his fellow man and he also saw the good in people. He was also a very loving husband.

The world was a better place with Gerry in it.

In addition to his wife survivors include: Michael St. Don and his wife Pauline of New Bedford; three grandchildren, Alyssa, Nathan and David St. Don of New Bedford; two brothers, Joseph Rene Arsenault of Fairhaven and Herve Arsenault of Florida; a sister, Marie Lea Robida of New Bedford and two sisters-in-law, Dolores Pereira and Jean Arsenault.

He was predeceased by an additional nine siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 9:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours, Monday 5-7 PM in the ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.

For tributes/directions, www.rock-funeralhome.com