Arthur J. Belanger Jr.

WATERVILLE – Arthur J. Belanger Jr., of 21 Merryfield Ave., Waterville, died with family by his side after a long illness in the early morning of Jan. 8, 2022, one day after his 92nd birthday. Arthur was born on January 7, 1930 to Elsie (Cote) Belanger and Arthur J. Belanger Sr. Arthur was a committed, dedicated, and hard-working man who taught his children, grandchildren and frankly all that knew him how to live a full and rich life by example. Arthur was never idle, constructing the family home with his own two hands, board by board, nail by nail with the love of his life, Lucille by his side. In support of his family Arthur started work at an early age, working for the American Woolen Mill, Phil’s Auto Sales and Firestone prior to pursuing his passion for cars and satisfying his entrepreneurial spirit. With his beloved wife Lucille as his partner, together at their residence on Merryfield Ave. they opened and grew a business, “Belangers’ Used Cars”. Over the many years they operated, hundreds of automobiles were sold to the local community members with many becoming repeat customers and friends. After retiring from the auto sales business, Arthur and his wife became famous for having the best garage sales in the city, Arthur was a ferocious “picker”, always out and about searching for the best items to re-purpose, breathe new life into and ultimately sell. His customers always knew they could find unique items at Arthurs garage, and most (if not all) could get a great history lesson as well. Some came by just to hear Arthur’s colorful stories and a joke or two. Arthur truly enjoyed working and making money, it was a passion, he never enjoyed spending any though! Some of Arthur’s best words of wisdom; “buy low and sell high”, “every free bureau on the side of the road can become a garden cart”. In life, Arthur and Lucille worked as a team, they were humble, kind and thoughtful, always helping others in a time of need, teaching us to be resourceful and make due with what you have on hand and most of all, take it slow and easy. We take comfort knowing that partnership is renewed again. Arthur is survived by his (five) children, Jewel and Leslie Stevens, Larry and Judy Belanger, Cindy and Gary Michaud, Kelly Pooler and Debra Clark. He is also survived by his Grandchildren Kristen and Kate Stevens, Robert (Bob) Belanger, Bridget Gray, Jason and Shawn Michaud, Amanda and Nathan Pooler, Jared and Tayla Clark and many greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Lucille( Burgess) Belanger, his parents Elsie and Arthur, his siblings Lucille Young, Anne Thibodeau, Robert Belanger, and a great-granddaughter Grace A. Michaud. The family would like to give special thanks to all his neighbors, family and friends for their outpouring of love, kindness and support that made it possible for us to honor Arthur’s wishes to remain in his home until his passing. This meant the world to him and to us as well, for this we are forever grateful. Per Arthur and Lucille’s wishes they will be laid to rest together in the spring at a graveside burial service at St. Francis Cemetery with a celebration of Life to follow. Date and time to be announced.Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oakland Lions Club in care of Tom Michaud,6 West Baker Street,Winslow, ME 04901