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Arthur DeBlois III Obituary
Arthur Joseph DeBlois III entered eternal life on January 8, 2026, after a life lived with quiet strength, deep devotion, and steady purpose. Born in Providence and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Art carried New England in his bones—its work ethic, loyalty, and understated sense of honor. He was a man who did not seek attention, yet whose presence was unmistakable: confident in leadership, and unwavering in character.
A proud graduate of Boston College, Art built a remarkable career as a businessman and entrepreneur. Whether leading companies, serving on boards, or mentoring others, he believed deeply in showing up prepared and leading by example. Those who worked alongside him knew him as thoughtful, principled, and quietly generous with his time and resources. Outside of work, he had many passions including—family ski trips, Plum Beach adventures, reading books and newspapers galore, and moments of laughter that often began with ice cream and ended in stories worth retelling.
Above all else, Art’s greatest joy was his family, and his greatest love was his wife, Paula. Their bond was evident to all who knew them—strong, affectionate, and rooted in faith and shared purpose. He was a devoted husband, a constant presence in the lives of his children, and a proud grandfather who delighted in passing on skills, stories, and confidence. Art taught by example—how to work hard, love deeply, stay curious, and face life with gallantry. He leaves behind not an absence, but a legacy of goodness that continues in those who were blessed to walk beside him.
His life will be remembered with a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 13th in St. Margarets Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford at 10:00 AM. His calling hours will be on Monday, January 12th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the Manning-Heffern-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket. The burial will be private.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to Art’s most passionate charity, The Fund for UCAP. 75 Carpenter St., Providence RI 02903.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur DeBlois III
20 Entries
Irma Magee
January 21, 2026
May he always be remembered for his kindness and generosity
John and Anne Pillsbury
January 18, 2026
Your video with family photos expresses the fullness of Art's life with Paula and the joy of children and grandchildren. He leaves a deep legacy for you all.
May your memories of Art as a wonderful husband, Dad and Grampa give you peace and comfort.
Praying by faith for a future reunion .
2 Corinth 4:16-18
Blessings
Karen Davie
January 14, 2026
Dear DeBlois Family,
Art was a remarkable individual who gave generously to a number of nonprofit organizations through devoted service, wise counsel and leadership giving. He took the time to listen and reflect. He will be missed - Warmly, Karen Davie
Fred Adler
January 12, 2026
Dear Paula and Family. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather. Art was a mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him
How you can show support
Larry Kahn
January 11, 2026
Paula- Diana and I send all our sympathies to u and your family on your loss-
I have fond memories of Golf games but mostly Art’s Leadership in his VISTAGE group of which I was a devoted Member-
He taught me a lot about Life and Business- he will be missed by many.
Michael Battey
January 11, 2026
Paula--
I always enjoyed interacting with Art both at the U Club, and Memorial Hospital. The obituary got it right. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Laurie Kiely
January 11, 2026
These words describe him to a “T”. A life truly well lived. So grateful to have known him. His legacy will live on in his beautiful family. Love you all.
Larry Hogan
January 11, 2026
I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Paula and your family. I like alll of our family have so many great memories of both the DeBlois and Pillsbury families. They certainly were great times. We are of so sorry to learn of this On behalf of our family with wish you all the best.
May he rest in peace with his family heaven.
Larry Hogan
Bradford Murray
January 11, 2026
One summer evening while walking toward the docks on Nantucket, passing a sidewalk table of revelers, there was Arthur (Twig) with his crew. He was on island for a Swan Regatta. We spoke for a few moments. I've always treasured that chance meeting.
Mark Coté
January 10, 2026
Dear Paula, what a wonderful obituary. It captures the essence of the young man that I knew so well at Cranwell and Boston College. He was always true to himself and his friends and of course you.
You completed him so beautifully! Take comfort knowing he will be watching over you and your children and grandchildren, he will forever be with all of you.
Mark Cote
January 10, 2026
Dear Paula, what a wonderful obituary. It captures the essence of the young man that I knew so well at Cranwell and Boston College. He was always true to himself and his friends and of course you.
You completed him so beautifully! Take comfort knowing he will be watching over you and your children and grandchildren, he will forever be with all of you.
Jane OFarrell
January 10, 2026
Paula: I am so sorry to hear about Art. Sending love and strength to you and your family at this very sad time. I will be there with a big HUG when I see you next. xoxox Jane
Muriel Woodcock
January 10, 2026
Paula and family, so sorry for your loss. Mrs.Rollie Woodcock.
Carol Beagan
January 10, 2026
So sorry to read of your loss, Paula. I know you are a strong and a loving mother and your children will help you through this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Cheryl Teverow
January 10, 2026
Paula and family, I am so very sorry to read of Art's passing. Paula, I know it's been years since we've seen each other, but I always was so fond of you and Art. I hope all of your wonderful memories help during this very difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. Warm regards
Marie Kelly
January 10, 2026
I was so saddened to hear of Art's passing. Such a lovely, kind and welcoming man. When I first visited the States many years ago I had the pleasure of getting to know Art and Paula and their family. Their home was always a fun and joyful place to visit full of lively happy children. Clearly a loving family. A few years ago I had the pleasure to be back there in their home when they had a welcoming party for my family and I on our return visit to the States. The kindness, love and joy was clearly still there. Art was still the kind and gentle person he had always been. He will clearly be missed by all his family and friends. Condolences from myself and all my family. Paula, Nicole, Todd, Sarah and Heather and all your family you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Marie
Trish Kelly
January 9, 2026
I will remember Art with great fondness and how kind and welcoming he was to me , when I first visited the USA and got to know him and his lovely family. It was lovely to see him and Paula again, a few years ago when they kindly hosted us at their beautiful home. Please accept my condolences to the family. He was a very lovely man and will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Lori Schuman
January 9, 2026
Nicole and family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Schuman
January 9, 2026
To my boyhood best friend, may your rest be peaceful
John Greenwood
Breege and John Coyne
January 9, 2026
We are very sorry Paula Nicole Todd Sarah and Heather to hear of the sad passing of Art. I have very fond memories of Art from my time in your home. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
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Memorial Events
for Arthur DeBlois III
Jan
12
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home
220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
Jan
13
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Saint Margaret's Church
1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916
Funeral services provided by:
Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860