Methuen — Arthur J. Mansor, Sr. passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on April 30, 2013.
Arthur was born on April 2, 1924, in Massillon, Ohio, and raised in Lawrence, Mass. He was the son of Lebanese immigrants, the late Elias L. Mansor and Rose Sargus Mansor. His family moved from Ohio to Massachusetts in 1931. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, Class of 1942.
Arthur served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a radio man 2nd Class from 1943 to 1945 aboard the USS Dutchess APA and was recalled to duty in the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1953 aboard the USS Sturtevant DE.
Arthur served as Choir Director and soloist at St. Anthony's Maronite Church in Lawrence for 20 years. He attended The Phil Saltman School of Modern Music in Boston after his WWII service. In May 1950, he appeared on the "Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour" as a featured vocalist in a salute to Lawrence, Mass. He also appeared on the NBC radio show, "Stars in Khaki and Blue," in 1952, hosted by Wendie Barrie. His passion for music and, in particular, Arabic music, was secondary only to his love for his wife, children and grandchildren.
The beloved husband of Grace (Hajjar) Mansor for 59 years, Arthur is also survived by his children, Pamela Milot of Naples, Fla., Arthur Jr. and his wife, Susan, and Marsha Basiliere of Methuen, Sheila and her husband, James Lapadula, of Windham, N.H., and Audrey and her husband, Brian McGonagle, of Methuen, Mass.; grandchildren, Rockwood Jr. and his wife, Kristin Milot, and Ryan and his wife, Courtney Milot, A.J. and his wife, Elizabeth Mansor III, Meghan and her husband, William Kannan, Edward, Julia, Aaron and Michael Basiliere, Jillian and Jenna Lapadula, and Kelsie and Shanleigh McGonagle; and great-grandsons, Rockwood III and Deklin Milot. Arthur is survived by his brothers, George Mansor and Edmund and his wife, Roberta Mansor; sister, Delores and her husband, John Raimondo; as well as several nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by brother, Thomas Mansor, and sisters, Leona Nolan, Ida Mosbacher and Eva Nolan.
A great man, loved by so many, Arthur cherished time with his family. No words can express the sadness we feel. His love, support and guidance will never be forgotten. His presence and our memories will remain in our hearts forever.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Sunday, May 5, from 2-6 pm at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony's Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury Street, Lawrence. Burial will follow at United Lebanese Cemetery in Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur's memory may be made to MGH Clinical Scholar Fund, c/o MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to assist the Mansor family. www.pollardfuneralhome.com.