Robert J. Arseneault, 86 March 27, 1936 - September 18, 2022

Robert J. Arseneault, a resident of East Hampstead New Hampshire, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning. He was 86 years old and was married to his wife, Sylvia (Umpleby) Arseneault, for 65 of those years.

Bob was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1936 to the late Arthur and Alma (Parè) Arseneault. He was the oldest of their nine children and from an early age took responsibility over the care of his family. Bob served for nine years in the national guard at the Lowell Armory. He went on to marry Sylvia in in 1957 and they soon began their own large family.

Bob was a gifted master carpenter and used his skill to provide for his family and create beautiful pieces that will be cherished for generations. When his children were young, he crafted toys and dollhouses. As his children grew, he helped them build homes, renovate kitchens, and no room was complete without his immaculate crown molding. When his children started families of their own, he once again measured twice and cut once to create cradles and rocking chairs, games, and toys to be enjoyed by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is nothing that Bob could not make for those he loved.

In addition to his masterful woodwork, he knew how to create memories. Pepere, to his grandchildren, and great grandchildren, brought life and laughter to any room. At a table full of people, he would crack jokes and watch your reaction so he could laugh along with you, his eyes full of well-intentioned mischief. He was always quick with a joke and eager to entertain his family with rhymes and riddles that left them stumped and smiling. He bonded with many of his children and grandchildren over sports. Bob was an avid New England sports fan and especially loved those Red Sox. Many Sunday afternoons were happily spent together watching players run bases and disagreeing with the umpire’s calls.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sylvia and their eight children. David Arseneault of Denim Springs, LA, Darlene May and the late George May of Thompson, CT, Kevin Arseneault of Bowling Green, KY, Karen and George Ganko of New Ipswich, NH, Robert and Anna Arseneault of Billerica, MA, Mark and Pamela Arseneault of Lake Charles, LA, Linda and Bruce Squibb of East Hampstead, NH, and Thomas and Nicole Arseneault of Baton Rouge, LA. Bob and Sylvia started a lasting legacy and have twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. He is also survived by two of his brothers, Ronald and Denise Arseneault of Lowell, MA and Richard and Anna Arseneault of Pelham, NH.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob’s service on Friday, September 23. The viewing will be from 10:00-11:30am and the memorial service will begin at 12 noon. Services will be held at New Life Assembly of God, 966 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830, followed by a burial at Maplewood Cemetery, 23 Atkinson Depot Rd, Plaistow, NH 03865. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).  Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com