Rev. Arthur J. Prunier

Rev. Arthur J. Prunier, 84, of 35 Julio Drive, formerly of Worcester, died Wednesday, November 22 at The Meadows Rehabilitation Center in Leicester.

He leaves several nephews, Edward P. Prunier, M.D. and his wife Colleen of Sayville, NY, Paul G. Prunier, M.D. and his wife Celeste of Rockville, MD, Francis W. Prunier, M.S.W. and his wife Marsha of Paxton, Richard T. Prunier and his wife Maribeth of Holden, and Joseph Augusto and his wife Sandy of Worcester; a niece, Margaret A. Prunier of Dudley; a sister, Sister Therese Prunier, P.F.M. of Baie St. Paul, Quebec, Canada; a sister-in-law, Corinne L. Prunier of Dudley; and close friends, Rev. Raymond Anger of Shrewsbury and Pierre and Carol St. John of Spencer. He is predeceased by a brother, J. Edward L. Prunier, M.D., and three sisters, Irene and Eva Prunier, and Imelda Augusto. He was born in Worcester, son of Edward C. and Eva (Fortin) Prunier and lived in Worcester much of his life.

Rev. Prunier graduated from the former Assumption Preparatory School and attended Assumption College. He studied for the Priesthood at the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada. He was ordained on January 24, 1948 by Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary, bishop of Springfield, and was a priest in the Diocese of Worcester for over 50 years. He served as associate pastor and pastor for several area churches, including Notre Dame Parish in Worcester, The Good Shepard Parish in Linwood, Sacred Heart Parish in Southbridge, St. Peters Parish in Northbridge, St. Cecile's Parish in Leominster, and St. Mary's Parish in Spencer. He exhibited a strong dedication to duty, a warm and peaceful manner and a strong but quiet spirituality. He was respected and admired by his parishioners. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter. He enjoyed his annual trips to Maine with his good friends, Paul Charette, Edgar Lajoie, and Gordon DeJong.

His funeral will be held Monday, November 27, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 5 Salem Square, Worcester. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Sunday, November 26 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at NOTRE DAME CHURCH, with a wake service at 7:00 pm. Contributions may be made to the Retired Priest's Fund of the Worcester Diocese, c/o The Chancery, 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609. RICE FUNERAL HOME, 300 Park Ave., Worcester, is directing arrangements.

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