Perley H. Arthur, Jr., age 96, born on January 4, 1930 in Salem, MA, joined his beloved wife, Lillian, in heaven on April 27, 2026. They lived in Chester, NH and had been married for 72 years.
Perley worked at WR Grace Company in Acton, MA for approximately 40 years. He couldn’t wait to move his family to NH and in 1964 he created his little farm on 4 acres in Chester.
Perley always had an artistic talent, with a special interest in comic strips and animation. He also loved woodworking. He made many decorative items and furniture pieces including toy boxes for his grandchildren. After retirement he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, camping and going on a variety of trips with friends, George and Linda Noyes. At the age of 74, Perley wrote and illustrated his first book. He was also active in the Chester Congregational Church for many years.
Perley’s favorite activities recently have been watching old Westerns on TV and visiting with friends and family.
Children include Scott Arthur and his wife, Sue, Holly VanLaarhoven and her husband, Gary, and Wendy Moquin and her husband, Randy. Grandchildren: Tracey Allaire, Jeff VanLaarhoven, Darrin Cummings and Nick Cummings. Great Grandchildren: Andrew Collins and Zach Collins.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Villa Crest Retirement Center in Manchester, NH for assuring Perley’s comfort in his last days with us. We appreciate their attentiveness and kind words.
Following cremation, calling hours will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. A memorial service will follow at 4:30 pm in the funeral home.