By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Northborough – Family, friends and townspeople were joined by state and local officials Sept. 16 at St. Rose of Lima Church for the military funeral of U.S. Army Spc. Brian K. Arsenault, 28, of Northborough. The Bronze Star recipient and 2004 Algonquin Regional High School graduate was killed in action Sept. 4 in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Among relatives offering words of remembrance was Eliot Arsenault, a cousin.
“I personally want Brian to know how proud I am of him not only for serving our country, but most of all for being such a great friend,” he said. “I know from the bottom of my broken heart that I will always smile when I think of him.”
Following the service, state and local police cruisers led the funeral procession from the church to the Howard Street Cemetery. The downtown streets along the way were lined with residents paying their respect, many carrying American flags.
Among those attending the service were John Polanowicz of Northborough, secretary of health and human services; Coleman Nee, secretary of veterans” services; state Representatives Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston; Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough; and Harold Naughton Jr., D-Clinton; and Selectmen Dawn Rand, chair; Jeff Amberson, vice chair; Leslie Rutan, clerk; William Pantazis and Jason Perreault.
For Arsenault’s full obituary visit? communityadvocate.com/2014/09/12/specialist-brian-k-arsenault-28-of-northborough.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.