Kenneth T. Arslen

WORCESTER – Kenneth T. Arslen, Sr., 88, of Salisbury Street, died Sunday, March 29, 2009 in UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester, after a brief illness.

Born in Worcester in 1920, Kenneth Sr. is the son of Theodore and Mary (Baptist) Arslen. His love of singing beganwith the All Saints Episcopal Church boys' choir. As a young man he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Woolsey in the American Mediterranean Theatre where he was awarded five bronze stars.

In 1944 he married the love of his life, Rita Marie Pusateri. With Rita and his four children he enjoyed a rich life taking delight in people and simple things. He worked for 38 years for Heald Machine Company in Worcester as well as many part-time jobs including the First Aid Pharmacy in Worcester. He was a Mason and a member of the Rose of Sharon Lodge in Charlton and the Morning Star Lodge in Worcester. He was also co-owner of the semi-professional men's softball team, the Worcester Hawks.

Known as the man in the "yellow hat", Kenneth gave of himself to his family and friends with his whole heart expecting nothing in return. At age 88, he still sang with gusto with the Worcester Men of Song. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and enjoyed assisting with assembling the church newsletter and helping with First Night. Known as "Pa" by his children and grandchildren, he will be lovingly remembered for the love of his sweetheart, his boundless generosity, his joy in the accomplishments of others and his childlike smile that lit up a room.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth T. Arslen, Jr. of West Brookfield, Ronald S. Arslen of Barre, the Rev. Gwendolynn M. Purushotham and her husband Samuel of Nashua, NH and Deborah L. Hanna and her husband Elias of Grafton; a sister, Phyllis Saffer of Worcester; brother-in-law, Francis Pusateri and his wife Jenny of Mount View, CA;11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. A sister, Estelle Sneade, predeceased him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral service for Kenneth will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 2nd, in Wesley United Methodist Church, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue (Rte. 56), Paxton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, "Carty Cupboard", 114 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608; or RIUMA, "Rhythm & Roots", 34 Cedar Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com