Willy F. Arlequeeuw, 79, of Lawrence, passed away January 28, 2012 at the Lawrence General Hospital.
Born in Eeklo, Belgium, November 26, 1932, and moved to Lawrence, MA at the age of 3, with his parents and sister. Willy was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, attended Lawrence Public schools and was a graduate of Lawrence High School class of 1950. He was a four year United States Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War. Willy was a proud Lawrence Police Officer for 30 years until his retirement in 1991.
Most importantly, Willy adored and was devoted to his loving wife of 55 years; Yvonne (Lemay) Arlequeeuw; more than words can say. Willy was the proud supportive and fun loving father to their 5 children and sons-in-law, Linda (Arlequeeuw) & Bob Barnett, Diane (Arlequeeuw) & Barry Mackin, the late Valerie (Arlequeeuw) & Eddie Earnshaw, Glenn Arlequeeuw and Michelle (Arlequeeuw) & Brendon Lynch. He was a loving son to the late Germaine and Alfons Arlequeeuw and brother to Linda (Arlequeeuw) Desjardins.
He was the world’s best grandfather to Casey Conway, Mallory Conway, Joshua Mackin, Kiley Mackin, Arianna Earnshaw, and “Great-Grandpa Willy” to Sophia Conway.
“Uncle Willy” will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and his Godchildren. Willy’s family and friends who enjoyed being around him, will all help keep his memories alive.
His bright smile and blue eyes could brighten any room and he was a true gentleman to all who knew him. Through the years he loved wood working, writing poetry, playing his accordion, traveling and had a great sense of humor. Most of all, he loved to cook and enjoyed so many different types of food! He was a very Patriotic American, but also proud of his Belgian heritage. He leaves many loving cousins in Belgium and enjoyed the times he traveled to see them with Yvonne.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:00AM in St. Michael Church in North Andover, MA. Burial will follow at Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.
Friends may call on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.
Memorial contributions can be made to: American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or to American Cancer Society PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123-1718.