Obituary of Philip Romeo Arsenault

Philip Romeo Arsenault, 90, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025 embraced by the love of his family.

Born December 24, 1934 in Malagash, Nova Scotia, Phil was a son of the late Wilfred Francis and Jean Charlotte (Carberry) Arsenault. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Mary Margaret (MacGillivray) and their six sons Francis (Debbie); Bernard (Kathy); George (Janet); Vincent (Gina); Roy and Glenn (Ann). He was the most fun-loving Papa and Grand-Papa  to his fifteen grandchildren: Matthew, Molly, Mitchell and Maisie; John, Ben and Jenna; Trent, Sarah, Jillian and Laura; James and Chantal; and Cameron and Ryan; and to his sixteen great-grandchildren : Eleanor and Philip; Harrison and Juliette; Aliah, Louis and Lucas; Hayden, Raya and Leo; Zoe, Paige and Gabby; Graham and Faye; and Sadie. Phil will be missed by his siblings, Joan (late Wayne); Evangeline (late Maurice); Yvonne (late Charlie); Dianne (Benny) (late Charlie); and sister-in-law Theresa. He was predeceased by his sister Rose Marie and brothers Edward and Joe.

Phil worked with immense pride, upholding tradition at the family business, Arsenault Monumental Works. He began at the age of 12 and continuing for over 70 years. Mining stone from North Grant and Erinville, his craftsmanship endures in structures and monuments across Nova Scotia.

An honest and true gentleman of strong faith, he was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He held a passion for purchasing and restoring old cars, trucks and tractors. 

Phil’s fun-loving personality and generosity will be missed by all who knew him and particularly felt at The Maples, where he resided in recent years.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Martha's Regional Hospital (Intensive Care and Palliative Care units) and The Maples for their support, friendship and loving care. We would also like to thank Parkland for their support of Phil and in caring for his beloved, Mary Margaret.

Our loss is tremendous. Dad would always say how proud he was of us, our children and our life accomplishments. We are forever grateful for his guidance, positivity and unwavering love. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel better for having met him. He will be missed everyday.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11 am Wednesday at St. Ninian Cathedral, Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial at St. Ninian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Martha's Regional Hospital Foundation.

A Life Well Lived – For Dad

Philip Romeo Arsenault, strong and true,
With hands of stone, a heart that grew.
From quarry’s dust at tender age,
He carved his life upon each stage.

On Glen Road’s path, love found its way,
He met our mom, his heart would say:
"With you, I’ll walk through every year,"
Sixty-five strong, both held so dear.

Six sons they raised with love so grand,
A steady heart, a guiding hand.
Through gardens lush and bluegrass tunes,
And southern skies and summer moons.

Old cars and tractors brought him cheer,
He fixed what’s broke, he drew us near.
With every laugh, with every smile,
He made this world more worth the while.

Though tools are still, and hands now rest,
We hold his love within our chest.
A father, friend, a soul so bright,
His memory is our guiding light.

And as we walk where he once stood,
We’ll honor him, as children should.
With love, with laughter, stories true—
Dad, we forever cherish you.