Arthur N. Desmarais

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Arthur N. Desmarais, 80 years old, passed from this world on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at home in the arms of his loving and devoted companion Susan E. Lind.

The son of the late Alphee and Blanche (Smith) Desmarais, he was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI. He graduated from St. Raphael Academy, attended the University of Rhode Island and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1954-1956.

As a young man he worked as a postman for the US Postal Service in Pawtucket, and probably is best remembered as the “Art” of Jo-Art Copy, an offset printing and copy center on the East Side of Providence and later Art’s Instant Printing in the Governor Francis Shopping Center in Warwick.

Arthur was an adventuresome and romantic spirit. He loved Cape Cod and the Islands and being near or on the water. He especially enjoyed boating on Narragansett Bay and along with Susan joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Arthur was at his best helping others in distress, both on the water and in everyday life. He was generous, kind, giving and will be remembered and missed by many whose hearts he touched.

In addition to Susan who tenderly cared for him these last eight years, he is survived by two loving daughters, Karen Smith & her husband, Robert of Mesa, Arizona and Lori A. Worrell & her husband, Chris of Gwynedd, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Spencer and Sophie Worrell; one daughter-in-law Elizabeth Desmarais of Little Rock, AR; one sister Loretta Santos of Boca Raton, FL; one brother-in-law Walter Anacko of South Attleboro, Massachusetts; and by Susan's sons, their wives and children, who have been an integral part of his life for many years. He was predeceased by his son Steven Desmarais; his sister Theresa Anacko and by his brothers Gilbert & Leo Desmarais. He is also survived by his former wife Pauline (Perreault) Murphy.

Per Arthur’s wishes calling hours will be respectfully omitted. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Church of the Transfiguration, 1665 Broad Street, Cranston on Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m.

If so desired, donations in his memory may be made to either the Cornerstone Adult Day Services, 140 Warwick Neck Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889, Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or to VA Medical Center in Providence, Attn: Geriatric Care Clinic. Information and condolences at carpenterjenks.com