He was born Nov. 8, 1925, in Biddeford, a son of Adelard and Laura (Brunelle) Gobeil and was educated at St. Andre’s School.
He served in the U. S. Army during World War II. On May 30, 1953, he married Carmen Parent at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.
After his military service he worked as a cook in Hartford, Connecticut, before returning to Maine in 1947, to work at the Brunswick Hotel in Old Orchard Beach. Working two jobs most of his life, he was a self-employed painter and worked at Pepperell Manufacturing and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he designed and patented several specialized painting tools. He also worked at Palace Playland as a ticket taker and painter of the amusement rides. Many children and adults appreciated his work as they rode the intricately painted horses on the famous merry-go-round. He also spent many years working with his son at Dave Gobeil Plumbing & Heating.
Arthur, as he was better known, was a member of the American Legion. As a young father, he built wooden toys for his children, nieces and nephews; he was a champion speed skater, barrel jumper and hockey player. He was skilled at making jewelry, knives and building wooden boats. In his later years, he enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and eagerly followed their activities.
He was preceded in death by; six sisters, Yvonne Binette, Alice Bedard, Laurette Charette, Jean d’ Arc Richard, Anna Neault and Irene Dudevoir; and four brothers, Phillippe, Willie, George, and Joseph Henri Gobeil.
He is survived by: his wife of 63 years, Carmen Gobeil of Biddeford; two daughters, Darlene Joly and her husband, Thomas, of Arundel, and Lisa Laskey and her partner, Arthur Hill; one son, Dave Gobeil, a sister-in-law, Priscille Gobeil,; a brother, Alfred Gobeil, all of Biddeford; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.
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