Arthur Lapole

Arthur Dorsey LaPole

BERLIN — Arthur Dorsey LaPole, 85, of West Ocean City passed away Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake. Arthur was born in Catonsville, Md., and was a son of Charles LaPole and Irene Burall. He was preceded in death by his wife and lifelong partner, Esther.

Arthur was a hardworking, simple and honest man and will be remembered by many with endearing nicknames including Reds, Art, Mr. Dorsey, Dorse and Pike. Arthur's satisfaction and contentment came from within, often with small anonymous and selfless deeds.

Arthur is survived by his three children and their families, JoAnn and Herb Butler, Arthur Jr. and Mark; his five grandchildren, Bradley, Todd, Amanda, Trae and Candace; and four great-grandchildren, Lily, Luke, Kyle and Zoe. Arthur is also survived by his brothers, Charles and Thomas.

Arthur served in World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin. Art was never one to complain about surviving the violent attack and near-sinking of his ship, but clearly his approach to work, family and life were forever altered. During the war and throughout her life, he supported his single, hard-working mother.

Arthur married Esther Connor in 1946, and began his family and his long career in machinery design, production and servicing. He held positions at the Poole Foundry and Elicott Machine Co., and in the U.S. federal government. Art's passions included boating, fishing, woodworking and teaching for the U.S. Coast Guard.

The family is appreciative of all the wonderful friends, neighbors and Coastal Hospice for making this transition peaceful and beautiful. A memorial service for Arthur and Esther is being planned for late summer at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery near Hurlock. Arrangements are being handled by Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.