Michael R. Arnold

September 16, 2017

Michael R. Arnold

ATHOL- Michael R. Arnold, 65, of South Main Street, died late Tuesday evening, September 5, 2017 at Athol Hospital following an illness.

Born in Gardner on February 20, 1952, he was a son of Robert G. and Dorothy M. (Hood) Arnold and grew up in Athol and attended Athol High School.

Michael enlisted into the United States Navy on November 8, 1971 and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was honorably discharged on May 26, 1975.

In 1986, Michael married Julia Daley.

Following his service in the Navy, Michael lived in Florida and returned to Athol in 1988.

Michael was a long haul trucker and had worked for Mercer Trucking and owner/operator of MRA Transport for 20 years before retiring in 2008.

Michael was an avid NASCAR fan and had traveled around the country to watch races. He also enjoyed sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics, and doing woodworking projects. Michael also had enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as motorcycle riding.

Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Arnold of Athol; a sister, Sandra Parker of Athol; his former wife, Julia Daley of Maine;  nieces, Rae-Anne Meunier and Renee Parker, both of Athol; a nephew, Randy Parker of Athol; a grandniece, Morgan Parker; grandnephews, Ben Parker, Cody Parker, Luke Meunier, Noah Meunier, Mathew Meunier, Joseph Hache and Andrew Hache; as well as many cousins.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Robert G. Arnold.

There are no calling hours

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com