Obituary of Arthur W. Pearson

Arthur W. Pearson PEABODY—Arthur W. Pearson, 84, beloved husband of Shirley (Devaney) Pearson, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday morning. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Oscar and Rose (Kerwin) Pearson. He lived in Lynn for many years, where he attended public schools. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, and was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the USS Louisville for five years. Upon his discharge, Mr. Pearson attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and became a Draftsman for the General Electric Company, then worked with Stone & Webster Engineering, then later in his career for the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority before enjoying his retirement. Arthur was always a health enthusiast. He had a passion for body building during his entire life, and was a fan of Steve Reeves. He also enjoyed music, especially the Big Bands and Elvis Presley, and loved compiling songs on tape to give to family and friends. He was known to glide gracefully across the dance floor, and with his humor and special personality affectionately was referred to as “The Legend.” He will be dearly missed by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Devaney) Pearson of Peabody, with whom he shared 56 years of devotion in marriage; a sister, Lillian Fink of Chattanooga, TN, her son Douglas Fink and his two daughters as nieces; his extended family, sisters-in-law Barbara Noyes Mosher and Margaret Ann Brewer, both of Peabody; a brother-in-law, Everett & Elizabeth Devaney of Maine, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces & great-nephews along the North Shore. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ruth Sutherland and Jack Devaney. His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Ann’s Church, Peabody for close friends and relatives to attend. A visitation will be held today from 4 to 8 P.M. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 9 Riverside Rd., Weston, MA 02493-2281.