Anthony G Arsenault Jr

He was born on September 9, 1927 in Madison, Maine, the son of Anthony G. Arsenault, Sr. and Elva M. (Taylor) Arsenault.

Anthony was educated in the Madison Area Schools and served in the US Navy during WWII. He was also member in long-standing of the American Legion, Post #39 in Madison.

Tony was a strong and compassionate person, who gave all that he, could to anyone who needed it without expectation, but he would never miss an opportunity to play a practical joke on an unsuspecting individual. His love for life was infectious and he really got a kick out of making others laugh. He had many interests and enjoyed fishing and hunting, fiddlehead picking and cooking his traditional French Canadian dishes, traveling and visiting new places, (except during Football season where he would be glued to his chair in front of the T.V. rooting for his beloved Patriots), playing a good game of cards and cribbage with anyone who didn’t mind losing to him, and sharing stories and telling jokes with his friends and family.

He is survived by his five children; Anthony “Buddy” Arsenault III of Enid, OK, Ramona Fisher of East Wakefield, NH, Danny Arsenault of Anson, ME, Ricky Arsenault of Clearwater, FL, and Kevin Arsenault of Skowhegan, along with three step-children; Thomas Fitzmaurice of St. Albans, Gerald “Jerry” Fitzmaurice of Skowhegan, and Deborah Waricka of Florida and his only sister Irene (Arsenault-Wilder) Church and her daughter Sandra of Manchester, NH, as well as many cousins, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Anthony is also survived by his first wife Jacqueline (Coffin-Arsenault) Dostie of Anson, Maine.

He was predeceased by his second wife Shirley (Fitzmaurice) Arsenault, his oldest son Eugene M. Arsenault, Sr., his only nephew Michael Wilder and former brother in-law and friend, Ostie Wilder.

A special thank you to “Uncle Dickie and Gary” Arsenault who throughout the years spent every Thursday evening with Dad reminiscing about the “good old days”, You helped to keep his memories alive and Dad was truly grateful. To my brother Buddy who took the time earlier this year to fly home to be with my brother Eugene and my father because he knew that it mattered, thank-you. To my mother who allowed me to blow in and out of her life like a whirlwind these past several years, thank-you. To my husband who never questioned what I had to do and always supported me, thank-you. To Dolores who helped me through some of the more difficult times, thank-you. To Jerry who gave dad a feeling of purpose and dignity, thank-you. To the staff at Cedar Ridge and Beacon Hospice who cared for and loved Dad, thank-you. To everyone and anyone who took the time out of their busy lives to extend a kindness to my father, thank-you. And finally, thank-you Dad for allowing me to share with you and be a part of your long journey home. We had quite a time of it, Dad. It was an honor.

A graveside service will be held on Friday November 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery, North Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, with Father John Mazzei officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

Donations may be made in Tony’s memory to the American Legion Post #39, 20 S Maple St., Madison, Maine 04950.