Obituary of Richard Francis Arsenault

Richard Francis Arsenault, a resident of Burlington for 57 years, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Thursday morning, February 12, 2015. The beloved husband of Joan (Sullivan) he would have celebrated his 86 birthday on February 13. Richard was born, raised and educated in Everett. He was the son of Canadian immigrants the late Tilmon and Artemise Arsenault. Richard was a graduate of Everett Vocational High School class of 1947 where he was the valedictorian. He went on to receive his bachelor degree from Northeastern University. Richard was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Army. He had a long and successful career as an Engineer and Product Manager working for such companies as Transonics, Foxboro Analytical and Alpha Industries. Richard and his family settled in Burlington in 1957 where he and Joan raised their five children. He was active in the Knights of Columbus in Burlington where he was part of the 3rd Degree. Richard and Joan attended many of the socials at the K of C and he was involved in Bingo and the Tootsie Roll Drive. Richard enjoyed being a member of Saint Malachy’s church and was an usher at the four o’clock Mass for many years. As an athlete he ran in several marathons in Boston and Rhode Island and many foot races. He was also an avid bicyclist and member of the Wednesday Wheelers cycling club. Richard was blessed to have a wonderful family filled with many special times. He was very proud of his children and blessed to have 12 grandchildren Richard was the beloved husband of 60 years of Joan (Sullivan). Richard was the loving father of Norma Zimmermann & her husband Michael of Methuen, Lisa Giles & her husband Bruce of Malden, Colette Osborne & her husband Ted of Burlington, Diane Arsenault & her husband Chip Osgood of Ipswich, and Barry & his wife Kathy of Burlington. Brother of Robert & his wife Dorothy of Burlington, the late George & his late wife Maude and late Helen MacEachern & her late husband Paul. Proud grandfather of Dan, Jessica, & Andrew Giles, Lori & Matthew Zimmermann, Dean & Nicole Arsenault, Sarah & David Osg Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Monday at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to the Town of Burlington Recreation Memorial Fund, 29 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803.