Arthur D. Kwiatkowski

MARSTONS MILLS —

Arthur D. Kwiatkowski, 76, passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, after a brief illness.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Marilyn J (Jones); three daughters, Leanne Hurley and her husband, Jim, of Centerville, Linda Watson and her husband, Col. Walter, of Brewster currently stationed in Okinawa, and Lori Kelliher and her husband, Jack, of Sandwich. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Forte, and husband, John, of Franklin; and five loving grandchildren, Alexander Watson, Kristen Davis, Nicholas Watson, Brendon Kelliher, Daniel Kelliher; and a great-grandchild, Merrick Davis.

He was predeceased by his sister, Alice Giers of Norwood; and two brothers, Edward Kwiatkowski of Dedham, and Chester Kwiatkowski of Everett.

Arthur was born and raised in Chelsea, the son of Alexander Kwiatkowski and Caroline (Jaros) Kwiatkowski of Poland. He graduated from Boston Trade High School in 1949. In 1952, he entered the Air Force to pursue his love of flying. As a career jet and helicopter pilot, he was one of the first to fly missions to the Texas Towers off Cape Cod. He retired from Otis, AFB in 1974.

After retirement, he turned his hobby into a business as a commercial fisherman, along with his wife and first mate, Marilyn. Later, he received his USCG 100 ton Master License and was a Charter Boat captain at the Ocean Street Docks, Hyannis.

Ski spent his fall seasons deer hunting in Maine and winters in Englewood, Fla., at Unicorn Resort.

Family and friends are welcome. Graveside service to be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 434 Route 134, Suite G-1, South Dennis, MA 02660; or to the COMM Firefighters Association, 1875 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632.