Joseph R. Arsenault, 91, of Fairhaven died May 12, 2023 at Alden Court.
He was the husband of the late Natalie (Sylvester) Arsenault.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late André and Leonié (Gaudette) Arsenault, he lived in New Bedford most of his life with the last several in Fairhaven under the loving care of the Atria Assisted Living and Alden Court Nursing Home.
He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
He was formerly employed as a salesman and installer at Morency's Carpet and then owned and operated City Carpet Company. After several years serving on the City of New Bedford’s Park Board, he worked and retired as superintendent of the Park Department for the City of New Bedford. He was a member of the New Bedford JayCees, Whaling City Golf Course, New Bedford Rod and Gun Club, served on the New Bedford Planning Board, and was a member of the New Bedford DAV chapter.
Joe learned new skills quickly and excelled easily at them. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed archery, photography, big band swing music, dancing, racketball, and going out for breakfast. He was a beloved golfer at the New Bedford Municipal golf course for many years and a regular at the former Woodworkers Warehouse, as he had a passion for woodworking. His family is blessed to have beautiful custom furniture crafted by Joe that is treasured.
He was a graduate of St. Anthony's High School and Southeastern Massachusetts Textile Institute.
Survivors include his son, André Arsenault and his wife Sue of Acushnet; 3 daughters, Katherine Starr and her husband Michael of Fairhaven, Diane Arsenault and her husband John Collins of Mattapoisett and Kristine Arsenault Cunningham and her husband Chip of New Bedford; 5 grandchildren, Angela Perry of Florida, Lindsay Vafides and her husband Steven of Dartmouth, A.J. Arsenault and his wife Nikki, of Marion, Jeremy Arsenault, of Acushnet and Kevin Wilkinson of New Bedford; 6 great-grandchildren, Eli, Leila, Bria, Arianna, Axton and Maximus; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Lea Robida, J. Herve Arsenault, J. Emile, J. Tilmon, J. Armand, J. Ernset, J. Gerard, J. Henry, J. Roger and J. Leo Arsenault, Germaine "Ginger" Giroux and Bertha "Betty" Marcotte.
His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 16th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Monday, May 15th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Way of Greater New Bedford.