Urbain “Joe” Arsenault

RUMFORD – Urbain “Joe” Arsenault, 93, of Rumford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 7, 2024. Born on July 9, 1930, in Mexico, he was the son of Calais and Winifred (Gaudet) Arsenault.

Urbain proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1960 and continued his service in the National Guard Reserves until 1977. A veteran of the Korean War, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans as a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 24 in Rumford. Urbain’s professional life included over 43 years at Boise Cascade in the unloading and receiving department, retiring in 1992.

A man who relished the outdoors, Urbain enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He looked forward to his yearly summer trips to Prince Edward Island and visits to the Oxford Casino. A devoted sports fan, he loved cheering on the Red Sox and Bruins (especially when they were winning). His faith played a central role in his life; he was a daily communicant at Holy Savior Parish and continued to participate in mass via livestreams until his final days.

Urbain married his beloved wife, Maryann (Sylvia) Arsenault, on July 26, 1958, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The couple settled in Rumford, where they raised a loving family. Urbain leaves behind his four children: Robert Arsenault and his wife Lisa of Mexico, Lynne White of Cumberland, Carol Clardy and husband Kurt of Overland Park, Kansas, and Eric Arsenault and wife Jaime of Oakland. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Adam and Kelley White, Joseph Arsenault and wife Katie, Brian Arsenault and wife Erica, Katelyn and Matthew Clardy, Aaron and Erica Arsenault; and a great-grandson, Thomas Arsenault. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marion and Cecilia Arsenault.

Predeceased by his siblings Edward, Raymond, Benny, Alvin, Henry, Lorraine, and Mildred, Urbain’s legacy is carried on through his extensive family and the many lives he touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Parish of the Holy Savior St. Athanasius and St. John’s Church on June 14, 2024, at 12 p.m., with interment to follow at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery at a date to be determined.

The family extends special thanks to Maine General Hospice, particularly Lynda and Erika, for their exceptional care and compassion in Urbain’s final days.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences online at http://www.meaderandson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 24.