Specialist Brian K. Arsenault, 28, Bronze Star recipient, was valiantly killed in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Ghazni, Afghanistan, on September 4, 2014.
Brian is survived by his loving parents, Daniel W. and Leslie (Sebastian) Arsenault and beloved sister, Lindsey Beth Arsenault, all of Northborough. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family which include a large group of close friends, many since preschool.
Brian excelled as an athlete playing varsity hockey all four years at Algonquin Regional High School. He graduated from there in 2004. Brian later earned his Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College. In his youth, Brian loved playing pond hockey with family and friends. He also enjoyed sharing time with his buddies in the Brighton section of Boston. Brian loved exploring and hiking trails/mountains in state parks and spending many quiet hours reading, bird watching and observing nature. He was a member of Gold’s Gym in Westborough where he did weight training and cross training. Brian also loved the ocean. He frequently vacationed on Cape Cod and Wells Beach, Maine. His other interests included: his love of music, dance and singing. His contagious smile was shared by everyone.
Specialist Arsenault completed U.S. Army Basic Training and Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA in 2011. He graduated from Airborne School at Ft. Benning and was then assigned to his current unit in 2012. Brian has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, National Service Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal and numerous others.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St. Northborough. The funeral Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 in St. Rose of Lima Church.
Burial with full military honors will follow in Howard St. Cemetery, Northborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. For the online guestbook or directions, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com
(Obituary via Hays Funeral Home)
We as a community have suffered a tragic loss with the passing of Specialist Brian Arsenault. Whether you knew Brian or not his death is still tragic for everyone of us. Brian made a tremendous sacrifice when he decided to join our military. You see, it comes down to this; There are some truly evil people in the world who would love nothing more than to bring each and everyone of us harm. Brian chose to fight that evil and to do his best to keep each and everyone of us safe. He wanted to defend the country he loved. That decision cost him his life. I am deeply saddened by his loss, not that I knew Brian personally but his death did hit close to home for me. I know all to well the pain and suffering his family and loved ones will be going through. My family suffered a very similar loss in 1968 with the death of my brother Bobby in Vietnam. That pain can tear a family apart. They will need to be strong for each other. I feel very lucky to have felt the love and support of a lot of very special people from this community. That love has always been much needed and appreciated by my family. Because I know how important that support is my hope is that everyone who reads this will pause and remember just what the Arsenault family lost for our safety! I also hope we come together as a community and show them we care. Whether that is showing up to pay our respect at the service. Sending a card or a simple post on this site. The Arsenault family will need all of our love. Sincerely, Jim Foley
Nicely stated Jim. Brian, though I did not personally know you we are brothers tied by a military service bond. I am proud of your dedication to serve and saddened you gave the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace bother.
Dave Monroe
Melbourne, FL