MEXICO – Alphonse J. “Fonso” Arsenault, 95, of Grandview Circle, formerly of Brigham Street, died Monday evening, Aug. 29, at his home surrounded by his four special caregivers.

He was born on July 8, 1910 in Anson, a son of Levi and Josephine (Richard) Arsenault. He was educated in Madison schools.

He was employed for several years as a first class burner in Maine and California shipyards, and retired after 26 years from the Rumford Paper Mill.

He was a communicant of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

His passion for reading since childhood continued through macular degeneration with large print books and followed with talking books. He was a very challenging cribbage and chess player, having hand-carved several complete chess sets which he gave to friends and family.

He also enjoyed listening to and recording various tapes of music covering an extensive written and recorded library of cassette tapes.

After losing his beloved wife, Lauretta, of 63 years, he acquired a computer and taught himself to play thousands of games of cribbage and chess on the Internet.

He is survived by two sisters, Regina Barbour of Portland, and Rena Hamel and husband, Eddie, of Citrus, Calif.; a godchild, Richard Hamel of Willits, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lauretta; a son, Raymond Arsenault; a brother, Rene; and sisters, Edna Gallant and Cecelia Arsenault.