WAYLAND: Arnold F. Wirick, Jr., 87, died peacefully on Thursday, November 24, 2011 surrounded by his family at the Oak Knoll Healthcare Center following a period of declining health.
He was born on March 7, 1924 in Rupert, Idaho the son of the late Arnold F. Wirick, Sr. and Annie (Hendricks) Wirick.
Arnold is survived by his loving daughter Linda W. Griffin of Wayland. He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren, Joseph W. Griffin of Haverhill; Debra S. Griffin of Wayland; Michael G. Brown of Wayland and Sean C. Brown of Plymouth. He was the great-grandfather of James Griffin, Alissa Griffin, Cooper Griffin, Nathan Brown, Cristina Brown, Zachary Brown, Evan Brown and Amelia Brown. He is also survived by his sisters Anna Jemmett; Claribell Phelps and Betty Hawker all of Idaho and brother Neil Wirick of California as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the husband for 63 years of the late Eleanor T. Wirick who died in July of 2007 and mother of the late Anne W. Brown.
Arnold has been a resident of Wayland for over 60 years and previously resided in Newton. He spent his youth in Rupert, Idaho as one of eight children and was a graduate of the Rupert school system. He served his country proudly during World War II with the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Nevada. For over 30 years he had a distinguished career as a truck driver with Foster Brothers Trucking of Westwood. He was a longtime member of the Community United Methodist Church of Cochituate. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family.
At the request of his family there will be no funeral home visitations or services.
A Celebration of Arnold’s life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 12:00 noon at J.J. McKay’s Restaurant, 171 Commonwealth Road, Wayland.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For on-line condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.