1933 – 2016

AUBURN — Ernest J. Arsenault Jr., 83, of Auburn died peacefully Monday, Aug. 8, at the Hospice House.

He was born May 5, 1933, to Ernest Arsenault Sr. and Phoebe Fortier in Leominster, Mass.

He attended schools in the Milford, Mass., area and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Milford, Mass., in 1951. Shortly after graduation, he met the love of his life, Ellen Hopkins, from Grafton, Mass. They married and together they raised four children.

He was employed with Massachusetts Electric for many years, retiring in 1991 following a workplace injury. They relocated to the Norway-Oxford area after his retirement.

Ellen died in 2003, shortly after she and Ernie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ernest is survived by two daughters, Celia Chamber (Terry) of Lyman, and Faith LeDuc (Ernie) of New Mexico; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Juanita Bryce; daughter-in-law, Alberta Arsenault; and many special nieces and nephews.

Most recently, Ernest first found companionship, then love, with Marie Bernatchez of Auburn. Together, they shared their lives for 11 years. He will also be greatly missed by Marie’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Michael Arsenault; daughter, Margaret Brooks; and two sisters.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ernest’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.