LACONIA ---- Maurice James “Moe” Arel, 83, formerly of Pine Street Extension, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Concord Hospital, Concord, NH.
Maurice was born November 19, 1942, in St. Albans, VT, the son of Theadore R. and Irene (Roberts) Arel. At the young age of 17 he left Vermont for New Hampshire with his sister Shirley Phillips (Arel) and brother-in-law Albert “Tom” Phillips.
In Laconia, NH, Moe met the love his life, Shirley (Dufault) Arel. Together they built a home and raised 2 daughters.
Moe was employed for 20 plus years at Bergen & Paterson. While employed at Bergen, he was the president of the Steelworkers Union #5173, a role he was proud to serve in. He enjoyed his “retirement” job at NAPA Auto Parts, in Laconia, delivering auto parts to various businesses where he made many lasting friendships. In his younger days he enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagles in Twin Mountain, NH. He was a member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks #676 and a communicant St. Andre Bessette Parish – Sacred Heart Church.
Moe leaves two daughters, Sheila J. Arel, of Morristown, VT, and Charlotte M. Arel, of Venice, FL; grandson Justin M. Marcotte, of Roxbury, VT; granddaughter Danielle Drake, of Adairsville, GA; great-grandson Cody J. Marcotte, of Morrisonville, NY; brothers Elmer and Alfred; sister Theresa Payne, of VT, who remained a steady emotional support to Moe until the end.
In addition to his parents, Moe is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; granddaughter Ashley M. Knight, of FL, brothers Stanley and Theodore; and sisters Sandra, Shirley, Carolyn, and Mary Jean
Moe lived the last year of his life at Bishop Bradley Apartments at the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The family gives thanks and gratitude to all the staff and residents at the St. Francis Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for making the last year a great one.
Thanks to Quality Care Home Health for living up to their name.
A big thanks to his loving sister Theresa, her husband Reb, his sister-in-law Mary Arel and his big brother Elmer for the trip to NH so Moe could see his remaining family.
Also, thank you to the neighbors from Pine Street Ext., and Rick H. who provided rides, and emotional support to Moe when the family was not available. The family will be forever thankful for that sense of community.
The family will be respecting Moe’s wishes of no calling hours.
A private burial will be held in the spring.
For those who wish, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 406 Court St., Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.