Arthur Theodore Alcarez, 93, of Concord, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on November 5, 2024. Arthur’s life was an exercise in devotion.
Born in Watertown on August 5, 1931, he was the son of the late Arthur and Edith (Meehan) Alcarez and the brother of his dear sister, Frances Lyons of New Bedford and North Dartmouth, whom he leaves behind. Arthur graduated from Providence College, but in his later years, he rotated his P.C. Friars’ gear with hats and golf shirts from his grandchildren’s various universities. After graduating, Arthur deployed to Japan, where he served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army.
Upon his return to the States, Arthur worked for the Boy Scouts of America, where he met Robert Cunningham. Cunningham, in turn, offered Arthur a job at C. A. Cunningham as a manufacturer’s representative for Builders Hardware. Arthur worked there for more than 40 years and became the first employee to generate more than $1 million in gross sales in a year.
Arthur was the husband of the late Clare (Lynch) Alcarez for 31 loving years. Arthur and Clare built a family and home filled with love and faith. For 35 happy years, Arthur was also the husband of Janice (Turcotte) Alcarez, whom he leaves behind. Together, Arthur and Janice took great joy in serving their community but also, more than anything, cared for each other with patience and grace.
Arthur was not only a dedicated husband, son, and brother but also a devoted father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Arthur leaves behind his children: A. Patrick Alcarez (Ellen) of Orlando, Florida, Maura A. Lugli (Michael) of Chatham, Mark Alcarez (Margery Kennard) of Medfield, Jennifer Smith (Tom) of Alexandria, Virginia, as well as his seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The children of Arthur’s wife Janice, David F. Haggerty (Laurie) of Orr’s Island, Maine, Lisa DelDotto (Albert) of North Andover, and Michael J. Haggerty (Jennifer) of Hingham, as well as their extended families also mourn his passing. Finally, Arthur leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
To a person, each one of Arthur’s many family members — immediate and blood; extended and in-laws — could trust that Arthur would be a source of quiet but constant support in times of celebration and hardship, mourning and joy.
Arthur spent more than 63 years in Concord. He left his mark. Arthur participated in the town’s Boy Scouts organization, the local Red Cross branch, and, eventually, the Concord Council on Aging. Arthur also was a past member of the Concord Minute Men and the Concord Country Club. A perpetual good neighbor, Arthur was always happy to lend a hand — or offer a ride — to anyone in town.
Arthur was a committed Catholic. His faith manifested more frequently in deeds than in words. Arthur participated actively and regularly in his church, served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught RCIA classes, and volunteered almost endlessly: He delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years and offered his time to various organizations, including the Lazarus House and the Pine Street Inn. Arthur believed in the good in everyone and honored the dignity and humanity of each life he encountered. Arthur lived his values.
There is so much more to say about Arthur Alcarez. He could build everything from a toybox to a shed, he always had a joke in his back pocket, he had a knack for growing asparagus, and he loved a good papaya. His home was always full of people, and his table piled high with food. (“If you can read, you can cook!” Arthur frequently declared.) He was the kind of man that will be mourned and missed.
Arthur’s life brimmed with commitments — to his faith, family, country, and community. But these commitments did not constrain his life. Rather, they filled it with respect, friendship, joy, and love.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, November 14, at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street. Arthur’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 15, in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square. Burial with U.S. Army military honors will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
Concord’s town flag will fly at half-staff on November 15, 2024, in recognition of Arthur’s service during the Korean War.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Lazarus House, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842 or St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, c/o Health Equity International, 40 Glen Avenue, Newton, MA 02459.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For his online guestbook, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
