RUMFORD – Joseph E. Arsenault Jr., 73, died Sunday, April 25, with his loved ones by his side at his home after, a long bout with serious medical complications. He was a resident of Erchles Street in Rumford.

Born in Rumford, April 30, 1930, he was the son of Joseph and Delia Arsenault Sr. He attended Rumford schools and worked for Boise-Cascade as a back tender on No. 10 paper machine.

“Junior,” as he was affectionately called, liked hunting, fishing, gardening and maintaining and improving his home. He was a communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church. He gave away much of the things he grew and was most content when he was making other people happy in many ways. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was married for 53 years to Rita Bourgea, who survives of Rumford. Other survivors include two daughters, Eva “Peanut” Arsenault and her companion, James Stevens of Mexico and Lisa Arsenault of Rumford; a son, Gary Arsenault and his companion, Gerry Thibodeau of Dixfield; three brothers, Raymond and his wife, Trudy of Bridgeport, Conn., Ernest and his wife, Jeanne of Rumford and Henry and his wife, Esther of Richmond, Calif.; three sisters, Rita Shaw of New Hampshire, Theresa McDonald of Massachusetts, and Anita McKellick of Florida; six grandchildren, Edward and his wife, Shannon of Marshfield, Wisc., James Arsenault and Sheena Arsenault of Mexico, Niaomi Thibodeau of Oregon, Mandy Thibodeau of Farmington and Carmen Thibodeau of Dixfield; five great-grandchildren; a special niece and nephew, Tammy Gerrish and Stephen Arsenault and their families; his walking pet and companion, his dog, Bandit; and a special family friend, Joanne Packard.

He was predeceased by a son, Edward in 1979; two brothers, Alfred and Norman; and a sister, Jeannette.


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