Leo P. Arsenault

MEXICO – Leo P. Arsenault, 74, joined his heavenly family and friends on Sept. 1, 2022 at CMMC. His family was at his side.

Leo was born in Rumford on Sept. 22, 1947, a son of Augustine and Angelique. He graduated from MHS class of 1965.

Leo enjoyed summer jobs while helping his family’s businesses- flipping burgers at the Roxbury Pond store and making pizzas for Frechette’s in Rumford.

After high school, he wanted to serve in the military like his brothers, however, an eye injury kept him from fulfilling that dream. Instead he worked at the Rumford Mill as a papermaker for 43 years.

Leo married the love of his life, Susan in 1969, and shortly thereafter they started a family. Together, they celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Leo enjoyed jam sessions with his brothers, hunting and fishing with his son, brothers, and close friends, and rooting for the Red Sox (but only when they were winning). Upon retirement, Leo enjoyed sitting in his garage, watching the seasons change, listening to the birds, feeling the warm sunshine, the little things in life. When the garage door was up, people knew they could stop by. He had a multitude of friends that would visit.

People liked his sense of humor, even in his last days of life, he had his nurses in hysterics. He was so generous and would do anything he could to help others. During the winter, we would find him helping neighbors dig out from the snowstorms. Over the years, Leo felt blessed to be surrounded by such great neighbors.

Leo was so proud of his grandchildren. He loved their visits. The grandchildren adored their “Pep”. He often had them laughing, from “walking on the moon,” playing “hide and seek,” and dancing up a storm. At Christmastime, Pep would play the guitar and the grandchildren have great memories of singing along with him. Pep was a great listener and would sit for long periods of time and listen to the grandchildren tell about their day. He wanted his grandchildren to be successful in school and would guide them in their studies, with friendly reminders to “get studying.” Pep would also dig through his wallet to reward them for their good report cards.

Pep will be sadly missed by his grandchildren who will look for comfort in remembering their Pep’s humor.

Leo is survived by his wife, Susan; their children Kristi Holmquist (Paul) of Dixfield and Michael Arsenault (Sue) of Rumford. Also, surviving are his beautiful grandgirls, whom he adored, Brooke and Jordan Holmquist, Lacey Gallant, and Lindsay Arsenault; as well as great-grandchild, Miller Cochran. Leo is survived by siblings Diane Kimball (Paul) of Lewiston and Jim Arsenault (Connie) of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Sue Arsenault “Grammie Suzie” of Canton.

Leo was predeceased by his parents; and siblings Andrew, Willy, Audie, and Cussy, also, Rachel and Joe Lovejoy who were very special to him.

The family wishes to thank Leo’s medical team and the entire staff at CMMC with a special thanks to Dr. Frumiento and Dr. McGillicuddy for their caring and supportive conversations.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9 at the Parish of the Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford. Arrangements are under the direction of the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St. Rumford.