Arthur Spalding

Arthur Spalding, 79, of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, departed this life on August 14, 2025. Born in Golden Spring, St. Andrew Parish, Jamaica, he was the son of Alfonso Spalding and Amanda (Lester) Spalding. Arthur had been employed as a brick mason. At age 16, Arthur began his masonry apprenticeship, launching an impressive career in Jamaica, building various housing schemes in Kingston. After immigrating to the United States in 1984, he joined the bricklayer union in Springfield, MA, which is part of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), represented by BAC Local 3. He spent six years of his career working as a mason for Eastern Construction Company and then various other companies. During his career, he has helped to build landmarks such as Stop and Shop on Boston Road, Springfield, Putnam High School's first building, Rebuilt Talk of the Town restaurant, laid the brick walkway for Springfield City Hall, and did roofing and basement masonry work for a number of the Victorian homes in the Hill-McKnight district of Springfield before retiring in 2009. From 1991 to 2015, Arthur and his Wife Esmie also ran two local Jamaican restaurants, Eats and Dream Flower Variety Store. Predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Angela Simpson, a brother, Fitzroy Spalding, and a sister, he is survived by his wife, Esmie E. (Brooks) Spalding; two daughters, Michelle A. Henry and Shanique A. Rodriguez; a brother, Sunny Spalding; a step-son, Kadri Forbes; four grandchildren, Mervis Henry, John Henry, Alex Henry, and Lucien Simpson; one granddaughter, Amelia Morant; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. The calling hour is 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Cathedral, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur Spalding, please visit our floral store.