Robert “Bob” I. Arsenault

RUMFORD – Robert “Bob” I. Arsenault, 90, of Rumford, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 in Ipswich, Mass. He was born Feb. 26, 1932, in Rumford, the son of Rene and Alice (Gallant) Arsenault.

Bob graduated from Stephens High School in 1950. After graduating, he served his country in the U.S. Navy; a proud member of the Navy Seabees, he served in Southeast Asia during the Korean War.

Bob married his fellow classmate, Ferne A. Smith, in October of 1959 and was blessed with a loving family of four children. He worked as a millwright for Oxford Paper Company which later became Boise Cascade. After his retirement in 1994, he kept busy in his workshop with his true passion – woodworking. Bob was a master craftsman and was known for his novel designs.

Robert used his booming voice to serve in the church choir. He was a member of The Parish of the Holy Savior, formally known as St. Athanasius St. John’s Catholic Church throughout his life. He was also proud to be a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross, saving countless lives with his many years of donations.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ferne; and their children Robert Arsenault, Jr. and his wife, Joan of Ipswich, Mass., Walter Arsenault and his wife, Joanne of Williston, Vt., Amelia Fremont-Smith and her husband, James of Newburyport, Mass., and Mary Cole and her husband, Adam of Essex Junction, Vt.; as well as six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and 14 siblings.

A visitation for Bob is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at S.J. Thibault Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial is planned for Thursday, Aug. 25 at 12 p.m. at The Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to Care Dimensions

of Danvers, Mass.