Arthur J. Dagesse, age 88, of Brockton, died peacefully at his home March 28, 2020 under the care of his wife and BrookHaven Hospice. Arthur was the loving husband, best friend and companion for over 30 years of Carol (Glover) (Tofanelli) Dagesse. Born, raised and educated in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Arthur and Auzelie (LeBlanc) Dagesse.
Arthur served as a Corporal in the army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. For many years he was an upholsterer for Arts Auto and Marine in Brockton, and when he retired he worked for ten years as a custodian at Trinity Baptist Church and the former Brockton Christian School.
Arthur enjoyed puttering and tinkering with everything and anything and had the attitude of “Can he fix it – yes he can.” Arthur built two hutches for his wife, couches, sandboxes and a club house for his grandchildren.
Arthur was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and, through his earlier years, sang in the choir. He was chosen to be a Deacon because of his genuine humility; he was also an usher and served after church services with the Hospitality Team.
Arthur was a very kind, compassionate and devout Christian man who enjoyed playing with his small great grandchildren. He had a witty sense of humor and rarely ever said an unkind word about anyone.
In addition to his wife Carol, he is survived by his “adopted family” Gayle Tofanelli of Abington, grandchildren Ashley Tofanelli of East Boston, Richard Marius of Abington, Paul and Jodi Tofanelli and their grandson Joni of Berlin, NH and two great grandchildren Aiyana and Anahliya of East Boston.
He was the former husband of Doris (Plaud) Dagesse and the proud father of Leonard Dagesse, both of Brockton, Thomas Dagesse of Rochester, NY, Jeannine and Mike Dagesse-Maus of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Jennifer Drinan Dagesse and three grandchildren Corey, Max and Emma Dagesse all of Rockland. He was the brother of Bernadette and Germaine Houle of Fairhaven, Paul Dagesse and his wife Irene of Bridgewater, Jean and Jean Marie Dagesse of Michigan. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. Arthur was the father of the late Robert Dagesse and brother of the late Clare Bettencourt, and Louie and Norman Dagesse.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Richard Lubins for his excellent care and BrookHaven Hospice team, Chaplain Bob Davidson, Pastor Mark and Cheri Oliver and TBC members Carolyn Krikorian, Susan Johnson, Buster and Elsie Sieben, friends Brenda Tankard, Doug and Julie McPhee, Evelyn Hogan for extra special support during Arthur’s illness. The family also thanks Jane Conley Lukasiewicz for her wonderful guidance.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, private family services were held, followed by his burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at a later date at the Trinity Baptist Church. Please consider donations in Arthur’s name to a local Food Bank.