Arnold Albert Fillian

Arnold Albert Fillian

Chula Vista, CA - Arnold Albert Fillian August 25, 1948 – September 19, 2025

Arnold (Joe) was born at the old hospital in Haverhill, NH to Hattie (Shortt) and David Fillian. He grew up in and attended the Orford Schools and graduated in 1968. As a teenager, he worked at different jobs including washing dishes at the Fairlee Diner, as a caddy at Lake Morey Country Club, and at Bill Green's Animal Farm. After graduating from high school, he went into the army and served in Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart.

When Joe came home from the service, he roamed around the country. He stayed for at least a while in lots of the states – even spending time in Alaska. He loved visiting new places and meeting new people. He did odd jobs to finance his travels. He came home to Orford during that time to touch base and to keep up with family. He enjoyed visiting with friends and getting home cooked meals! He loved taking his young nephew David fishing and teaching him things about the outdoors. Joe always loved NASCAR races – to the end!

Joe finally landed where he was meant to be – in CA. He worked at several different jobs there. He worked on fishing boats and also at a convention center as a technician setting up music concerts. Being an animal lover from the start, he was always the one who took care of the cats who got left behind when people left the apartment buildings where he lived. Or ones that roamed the streets. He had as many as 12 at any given time; along with a couple of birds. He was friends with most of the neighbors, but especially with Michael and Leesa who also had multiple cats! Joe helped take care of Michael when he became ill and helped Leesa after Michael's death. After a while and with a little prompting from his sister – they decided it made sense to live in one apartment instead of two. In the end, Leesa was the one taking care of him. He kept in touch with lots of friends and family over the years. Even learning to text in the last year or so!

Joe was predeceased by his grandparents Alphonse and Jessie (Woods) Fillian of Orford, George and Nellie (Wright) Shortt of Warren, his parents David and Hattie Fillian of Orford, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is survived by his partner Leesa Hamilton of Chula Vista, CA, his sister Delores (Richard) Drew of Woodsville, NH, nephews David (Woodsville) and Dick (Haverhill), many cousins and friends. As well as his birds and cats, especially Sheba who comforted him in his final days – barely leaving his side.

There will be no service at this time.