Richard "Dick" Arseneault

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Richard “Dick” Arseneault, beloved husband of the late Shirley Ann (Comeau) Arseneault, announce his passing on August 9, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on December 3, 1942, Richard was the son of the late Azade and Alice (Chiasson) Arsenault.

After studying at St. Thomas University in Chatham and Fredericton, Richard began his teaching career at New Albert School, where he inspired students for many years before retiring from Bayside Junior High School. Known for his warmth, patience, and sense of humor, he was both well liked and deeply respected by colleagues and students alike. One of the greatest adventures of his career came when the family moved to Grenoble, France, for a year while he studied French—a time they all treasured.

Richard’s heart belonged to the outdoors. He found peace walking in the woods amongst the trees, and often said that if he hadn’t been a teacher, he would have been a forest ranger. When he wasn’t teaching during the summer months, he loved weekend camping trips to Martin Head Beach, roaring over the sand in homemade dune buggies with his brothers-in-law Don Comeau and Jim D’Entremont, along with other family and friends. An active and energetic man, he loved sports—especially hockey, which he played during his university years—and enjoyed bowling, proudly holding the high score at Shannex.

A proud former Boy Scout, Richard had fond memories of scout trips and especially of attending the Boy Scout Jamboree in Boston. That spirit of helpfulness stayed with him for life. He was the kind of man who would strike up a conversation with anyone, hold a door open, put away someone’s cart, or clear a trail of fallen limbs so no one would get hurt. Even in his later years, he would smile and say, “I’m just being a good Boy Scout.”

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his son Bob (Cindy), daughter Michelle Graham, and his grandchildren Alex (Emma), Paige, and Olivia; brothers Paul (Jean) and Oliver Arsenault; sisters Diana Sorensen and Anita DeSilva (Paul); as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife Shirley; his son David; brothers John and Telesphore (Ted) Arsenault; sisters Rita Arsenault and Dorina Northrup; and his dear later-life companion, Maureen Bonnell.

Visitation will take place at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424), from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated in the Fundy Chapel at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in Richard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society, the SPCA, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.