Wake, Funeral Planned for Northborough Specialist Killed in Afghanistan

Photo credit: Hays Funeral Home

Obituary courtesy of Hays Funeral Home

Specialist Brian K. Arsenault, 28, Bronze Star recipient, was valiantly killed in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Ghazni, Afghanistan, on Sept. 4, 2014.

Brian is survived by his loving parents, Daniel W. and Leslie (Sebastian) Arsenault and beloved sister, Lindsey Beth Arsenault, all of Northborough. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family which include a large group of close friends, many since preschool.

Brian excelled as an athlete playing varsity hockey all four years at Algonquin Regional High School. He graduated from there in 2004. Brian later earned his Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College. In his youth, Brian loved playing pond hockey with family and friends. He also enjoyed sharing time with his buddies in the Brighton section of Boston.

Brian loved exploring and hiking trails/mountains in state parks and spending many quiet hours reading, bird watching and observing nature. He was a member of Gold’s Gym in Westborough where he did weight training and cross training. Brian also loved the ocean. He frequently vacationed on Cape Cod and Wells Beach, Maine.

His other interests included: his love of music, dance and singing. His contagious smile was shared by everyone.

Specialist Arsenault completed U.S. Army Basic Training and Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA in 2011. He graduated from Airborne School at Ft. Benning and was then assigned to his current unit in 2012. Brian has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, National Service Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal and numerous others.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014, from 3-8 p.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St. Northborough. The funeral Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Howard St. Cemetery, Northborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Visit the guestbook on Hays Funeral Home website.