Francis Arcikowski

Francis Richard Arcikowski ("Chuck"), 89, of Yarmouth Port, Ma., passed away peacefully at Cape Cod Hospital on September 8th surrounded by family. Chuck was born March 2, 1936, in Taunton, Ma. He attended Coyle High School and then Northeastern University where he graduated with a degree in engineering. He married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Wade (Maggie) in 1958 and went to work for General Electric, working first in Pittsfield and then Schenectady overseeing production work on turbines for nuclear plants. He retired to Cape Cod with Maggie in 1994. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Margaret, his father Francis, his mother Waltela, his brother Richard (Dick) and his sister Joyce. Chuck loved life and lived it fully. He and Maggie loved family, people, dining out and travel. They took many trips and cruises together with family and friends. They were both eternally young at heart and loved going to Disney World. (Chuck's most recent trip to Disney was in 2024!) Chuck and Maggie also loved antiques and collectibles and had a small antiques and collectibles business together. Chuck was on the eternal hunt for deals on baseball cards, board games, trains, and antique tin toys. He loved finding something that reminded him of his childhood. He and Maggie loved going to auctions and yard sales together searching for those special buys. Chuck was a Patriots fan (especially when they were winning) and loved to play and watch golf. He and Maggie traveled to several Masters tournaments together. Chuck loved being polish and his polish food! He would drive from his home on the Cape to Fall River just to get pierogi at his favorite polish restaurant. He also loved polish music. He and Maggie would seek out festivals and venues where they could polka the night away. In his later years listening to polka music always made him smile. But perhaps most of all, Chuck loved children. He and Maggie were affectionately known as "Aunt Maggie and Uncle Chuck" not only to their nieces and nephew, but also the children of their friends (and eventually their children). Every school vacation their house was filled with children having fun and making memories that last a lifetime. Christmas was a very special time for Chuck and Maggie. It was a time when they showered gifts upon all those they loved. Chuck was deeply religious and attended St. Pius X in South Yarmouth. He and Maggie attended daily mass at the church as long as they were able. They donated regularly to the church and catholic charities especially those that benefited children. Chuck was a kind and generous spirit who touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Chuck is survived by five nieces and a nephew, Rena Wade, Margaret Wade, John Wade, Lynn Dupont, Lisa Arcikowski, and Lori Arcikowski, and his sister-in-law Sylvia Wade. Funeral home visitation will be held at the O'Keefe Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 am. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony's Church in Taunton at 11 am. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery in East Taunton. In memory of Chuck please consider making a donation to the children's charity of your choice in his name.