Arthur A. Melanson

Arthur “Goo-Goo” A. Melanson, 91, of Gardner, died peacefully Wednesday, December 22, 2021, in his residence, after an illness.

Born in Gardner on February 25, 1930, he was the son of the late Antonio and Leota (Beaudoin) Melanson. Arthur was a United States Army Korean War Veteran serving from 1951 to 1954, where he received the Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was the Finishing Foreman and Manager employed by Country Home Furnishings for two and half years prior to his retirement. He was previously employed by Children’s Furniture and George Bent for 19-years.

Arthur was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish/ Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church of Gardner. He was a member of the Ovila Case VFW Post 905 of Gardner and American Legion Post 129 of Gardner. Arthur found enjoyment in golfing, fishing, and taking trips to the casinos. He loved to play pool, darts, and cards—especially Pitch. Arthur always looked forward to his yearly trips to Maine with his daughters and son-in-law’s. His greatest enjoyment came from his family, especially his grandchildren.

Arthur is survived by his four daughters, Susan Arsenault of Gardner, Janet Jalbert of Gardner, Deb Rahaim and her husband Michael of Westminster and Judy Flanagan and her significant other Rickey Gravelle of Gardner; fourteen grandchildren, Lisa Arsenault, Craig Arsenault and his wife Sarah, Matthew Arsenault and his wife Katie, Jessica Currier and her husband Joe, Melissa and Becky Jalbert, Aaron Hanks and his significant other Kerry, Crisie and Amy Hanks, Amber Jarvis and her husband Alex, Robert and Jason Rahaim, Kristi Laraba and her husband Dave, Kevin Flanagan and his wife Jennifer and Kyle Flanagan; eighteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother Raymond Melanson and his wife Judy of Gardner; a sister, Lorraine Manca and her significant other Ron Lovely of Gardner; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 61-years, Madeleine (Cormier) Melanson, who died in 2017; a brother Robert Melanson; and a sister, Rachel Godin.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA. Please report directly to the church on the day of the service.

Calling Hours will be held Monday, December 27, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The family asks that all those in attendance please adhere to wearing masks

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or on their website at (www.stjude.org). Please reference in memory of Arthur A. Melanson.