Obituary for Arthur E. Thurston
(Ret.) Waltham Fire Lieutenant
Arthur Eastman Thurston
Of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 11th, 2022, with loving family by his side at Boston Medical Center in Boston. He was 98 years old.
Born on May 2, 1924 in Waltham; son of the late Arthur Thurston and Mary G. (Wallace) Thurston. Arthur was born, raised, educated and had been a lifelong Waltham resident.
A graduate of Waltham High School with the Class of 1942; Arthur furthered his education by studying Fire Science at Mass Bay Community College.
Arthur was a proud and decorated veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II from 1943-1946. He served aboard USS Nicholas DD449 (Machinist Mate 3rd Class) and was the recipient of the Victory Medal World War II, Asiatic Pacific with 1 Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation with 1 Bronze Star.
After returning from service to his country; Arthur was appointed to the City of Waltham Fire Department in 1947. He proudly served the community of Waltham for 32 years. He was stationed for most of his career at Engine 7 on Lake Street and Engine 8 on Trapelo Road. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 1979.
He was of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM); the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post; the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post #156 in Waltham; and a Life Member of the John M. Sullivan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 10334.
Arthur had many different hobbies and interests through the years including; bowling, senior citizen trips, especially to the Casino, family & family vacations, his Navy reunion trips, and summer fun at the family swimming pool.
Arthur's life revolved around his family. He cherished every moment spent with them; he was an exceptional husband & father.
Arthur was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years Anna Mildred "Millie" (Nee) Thurston in 2014.
He is survived by his devoted & loving children Jane L. Thurston and Gary A. Thurston both of Waltham; his cherished grandchildren Carmen C. Thurston of Arizona; and Devon A. Thurston of England and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his dear siblings Sally McSwain, Anne Miller, Lillian Butters, Grace Casello, Georgia Mosnicka, Carol Baduski and Sydney Thurston.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Arthur's life and remember the love and friendship he shared with others at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning June 18th at 11:00 am. His burial with United States Navy and Waltham Fire Departments Honors in recognition of Arthur's faithful and honorable service to our Country and the City of Waltham will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Arthur and his family can do so in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning prior to the service from 9am until 11am. For those who we love and care about the family asks attendees to be mindful of social gatherings. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in Arthur’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Arthur Eastman Thurston
Of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 11th, 2022, with loving family by his side at Boston Medical Center in Boston. He was 98 years old.
Born on May 2, 1924 in Waltham; son of the late Arthur Thurston and Mary G. (Wallace) Thurston. Arthur was born, raised, educated and had been a lifelong Waltham resident.
A graduate of Waltham High School with the Class of 1942; Arthur furthered his education by studying Fire Science at Mass Bay Community College.
Arthur was a proud and decorated veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II from 1943-1946. He served aboard USS Nicholas DD449 (Machinist Mate 3rd Class) and was the recipient of the Victory Medal World War II, Asiatic Pacific with 1 Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation with 1 Bronze Star.
After returning from service to his country; Arthur was appointed to the City of Waltham Fire Department in 1947. He proudly served the community of Waltham for 32 years. He was stationed for most of his career at Engine 7 on Lake Street and Engine 8 on Trapelo Road. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 1979.
He was of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts (PFFM); the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post; the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post #156 in Waltham; and a Life Member of the John M. Sullivan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 10334.
Arthur had many different hobbies and interests through the years including; bowling, senior citizen trips, especially to the Casino, family & family vacations, his Navy reunion trips, and summer fun at the family swimming pool.
Arthur's life revolved around his family. He cherished every moment spent with them; he was an exceptional husband & father.
Arthur was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years Anna Mildred "Millie" (Nee) Thurston in 2014.
He is survived by his devoted & loving children Jane L. Thurston and Gary A. Thurston both of Waltham; his cherished grandchildren Carmen C. Thurston of Arizona; and Devon A. Thurston of England and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his dear siblings Sally McSwain, Anne Miller, Lillian Butters, Grace Casello, Georgia Mosnicka, Carol Baduski and Sydney Thurston.
Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Arthur's life and remember the love and friendship he shared with others at a Funeral Service in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning June 18th at 11:00 am. His burial with United States Navy and Waltham Fire Departments Honors in recognition of Arthur's faithful and honorable service to our Country and the City of Waltham will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
Those who wish to pay their respects to Arthur and his family can do so in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning prior to the service from 9am until 11am. For those who we love and care about the family asks attendees to be mindful of social gatherings. For those who wish to pay their final respects, but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com. Parking attendants will be on duty.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in Arthur’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.