Rumford – Bernard J. “Bernie” Arsenault, 81, of the Ridge Road in Peru died unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Rumford Hospital.

He was born in Portland on April 17, 1926, a son of Vitaline Arsenault.

Bernie was educated in Rumford schools and lived locally all his life.

He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He was employed for 41 years with Boise Cascade Paper Co. in the Kraft Department.

He was a communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church.

He was a 50-year member of the Dixfield American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his camp in Bemis.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alfreda M. (Giroux) Arsenault of Peru; two sisters, Marlene Duval of Byron, and Helena Baril and husband, Gary, of Byron; and three nephews, Edward H. Giroux and wife, Deborah, of Greene, Lawrence E. Giroux and wife, Cindy, of Hartford, and Gary G. Baril Jr. and wife, Rachel, of Livermore Falls.