Arthur E. Senecal

1936 - 2025

Arthur E. Senecal
September 21, 1936 - December 15, 2025
Arthur E. Senecal, 89, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. Born on September 21, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts, Art lived a life marked by service, generosity, quiet humor, and deep devotion to his family.
He graduated from Norwood High School and attended Boston University and the College of Industrial Technology before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1955. What began as a desire to serve his country became a distinguished career spanning more than 26 years. Art served at bases across the United States and overseas, including tours in Vietnam, Spain, and South Korea. His assignments took him from Pease and Loring Air Force Bases to Headquarters Eighth Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where he spent some of his most impactful years.
Throughout his career, Art worked in nearly every aspect of law enforcement and security. Known for his calm leadership, sound judgment, and remarkable memory, he earned the respect and trust of those he served with. In 1977, he was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant and appointed Operations Manager for all Eighth Air Force security police units. In that role, he helped guide, inspect, and mentor units across the command, taking great pride in his teams and emphasizing professionalism and teamwork.
Art's service was recognized with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and multiple unit and campaign honors. While appreciative of these distinctions, he was most proud of the work itself and the people alongside whom he served.
After retiring from active duty in 1982, Art continued his commitment to service as a civilian security professional at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida and later at Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in Texas. Over a combined 47 years of military and civil service, he built a reputation for dependability, expertise, and integrity.
Outside of work, Art enjoyed bowling, playing the organ, woodworking, collecting coins, and sharing meals-especially at Chinese buffets. In later years, his greatest joy came from time spent with family, playing Gin Rummy, cheering on the San Antonio Spurs, volunteering at the Lackland Thrift Store, attending luncheons with fellow military friends, and working at his coin shop.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Emile Senecal and Rita Fitzgerald, and his son, Karl Senecal. He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Santos Harbison; sons Kevin Senecal and Kenneth Senecal (Nicole); stepchildren Patricia Estoril (Milo), Liana Rodriguez (Ruben), and Michael Harbison (Alexis); fifteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Affectionately known as "Art," he will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a trusted mentor, and a natural leader whose quiet strength left a lasting legacy.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Grand Brook Memory Care.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com