Antoine "Tony" Joseph Laurent Arsenault

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Antoine Joseph Laurent Arsenault, known to many as “Tony” on October 5, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  He was born in Allardville, NB on July 13, 1941 to the late Télesphore and Linda (Doiron) Arseneault and was the loving husband to his wife, the late Linda Calhoun.   

Tony served in the militia from 1957-1959 and after that he began working at the Saint John Dry Dock as a welder and would contract out when he was not welding.  After leaving the Dry Dock, he joined the Ironworkers Local 752 and travelled across Canada - as far as Tuktoyaktuk - and worked on many predominant landmarks, such as the CN Tower in Toronto. He did this as well as practiced his masonry trade until the mid 90's.  Following his time welding, he and Linda bought a little home with an ocean view where he ran a contracting business full time in Saint John.  His family tried to get him to retire but he stayed climbing roofs and contracting until months before he fell sick.  He was a strong, stubborn and determined man. He was self proclaimed "The oldest hippie in town”, “Tony the titanium man" and his personal favourite "The Codfather".  In the early 60’s Tony began training at the Monarch Boxing Club with his good friend and coach Ron Brothers.  Boxing remained his passion for life, and when he was not watching it on TV, he was laying it to his heavy bag.  He began training his daughter Angie when she was four years old and was most proud when she followed his footsteps and took up the sport in her adult life.  He was a proud #69 legion member and could be found there on almost any Friday night, dancing it up and singing Merle Haggard's "Sing Me Back Home" to all his friends.  He was there so much some referred to the legion as his “office”.   He was an avid pool player and liked to make bets so he could win money and earn bragging rights to anyone that wanted to challenge him.  He loved to play the racetracks, shoot darts and had played on a bowling league until last year.  One of his favourite things to do was spend time with his family and friends strumming his guitar, playing harmonica and singing all the old greats. Tony was a very giving and kind man, there was nothing he would not do for the ones he loved.  His larger than life personality, his wit, his charm, his sharp style and his contagious laugh will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, but we find peace in knowing he was welcomed to Heaven by many beautiful Angels who were waiting for their day to see him again.  

He is survived by his daughter, Angelina Arseneault (Adam); especially close with his "grand-babies": Alexis, Izabella, Lyric, Rylynn, Little Billy and Merissa; who he loved to spoil with donuts, suckers and twenty dollar bills.  Children, Debbie MacDonald, Tony Arsenault, Jr. (Brenda) and Tammy Flowers (Dale); Grandchildren, Brian, Tara, Justin, Nathan and Kyle; Siblings, John (Judy), Yvon (Roni),  Henry (Colleen), Ida (Coune), Doreen, Brenda (Peter) and Eileen (Steve); along with Tina Rafters, his special companion, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  In addition to his parents and wife Linda, he is predeceased by his daughter, Delores; and his sisters, Carmelle and Irene. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10am with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Extended  family and friends are invited to watch the service here https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160260329181006.Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic regulations, masks are required for all who attend the visitation and funeral service, and seating will be limited.  Staff will be on hand to assist with public health and contact tracing requirements.  For those who wish, memorial donations made to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by his family.  

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