Robert Ernest Arsenault Sr. Obituary (1940 - 2017)

Eastport - Robert Ernest Arsenault, Sr., “Bob”, passed away in the grace and love of God at home in Eastport, surrounded by family and friends on December 1st 2017. Bob was born in Brownfield on May 25, 1940. Bob’s desire was for everyone to know, “God has given me a real life of love and hope, and freedom to worship and to feel with all that God has given me. My greatest joy has been my life with my children, my grandchildren, and my great-children and to watch them grow and love.” Much love and knowledge was gained in his military experience. He was privileged to start his Medic training under Dr. Amata in the 79th Engineer Battalion, MED DET in the United States Army, serving as a Medic and also with Mortuary Affairs. It was during his service while in Germany that he also was fulfilled in creating a group of musicians who traveled and performed for the troops during his military service there. Bob was committed to his civilian life in the vocation of mortician in Portland and Eastport, and in retirement as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was a communicant of St. Josephs’ church, Eastport of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish. Bob was a volunteer DAV driver for Veterans of Washington County. He held dear the stories and knowledge which his fellow Veterans shared with him. He was proud of having driven over 100,000 miles taking them back and forth from their homes to the Togas VA Hospital. Bob was predeceased by his mother Laurette Arsenault, his wife Claire Arsenault, father-in-law Horace Call, mother-in-law Madonna Call, brother-in-law Lawrence Call, friends Dr. Roland B. French, MD, and Joe “Cozy” Nicholas. He was welcomed to Eastport by the Call and Cassidy families to whom he loved. Bob is survived by his daughter/kidney donor and caregiver Madonna Arsenault, sons John and friend Krissy, and Robert and his daughter-in-law Shelley, his grandchildren Joshua Schanck and wife Allyson, Jacob Schanck and wife Diana, Jessie Boehm and husband Michael, and Michael O’Rourke, and his great-grandchildren Elijah and Ezekiel Boehm, and Liam and Annabelle Schanck, sister-in-law Marie Cobbett and husband George and their family, and close friends Steve Nicholas and Allen Sockabasin. Bob’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the VA Clinic, Calais, Togas VA Hospital, Maine Transplant Center, Susan Mullen, R.N., Dr. Flute. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Kevin J. Martin 10 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2017 at St. Josephs’ R.C. Church, 51 Washington St., Eastport. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Eastport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Labor of Love Food Pantry and Nutrition Center, 137 County Rd., Eastport, ME 04631. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.