John "Arab" B. Arabasz, Jr. Obituary (1949 - 2026)

John B. Arabasz, Jr. October 28, 1949 – February 19, 2026 John B. Arabasz, “Arab,” of Anson, Maine, formerly of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his home in Anson. He was 76 years old. Born on October 28, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, John was the son of John B. Arabasz Sr. and Ursula M. Delaney. He graduated from Bridgewater–Raynham Regional High School in 1967 and attended Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton, MA, where he acquired the skills for his lifelong trade as a glazier. He was a proud union member, retiring from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades D.C. 35 in 2011. John was an avid reader and a knowledgeable collector of interesting antiques, unusual—if not strange—items, and little-known facts. His life was well-lived and full of adventure. He rode his Harley across the country with numerous fellow bikers, won multiple tattoo awards for his extensive body art, and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends. Beneath what some might have called a gruff exterior was a caring, sensitive, kind, and especially generous human being. He was well liked and will be remembered with heartfelt affection by his many colleagues, family members, and friends. John is predeceased by his parents, John and Ellen Arabasz (Matthews); his brother, Ray Arabasz of Bridgewater; his birth mother, Ursula Delaney of Newfoundland, Canada; and his beloved wife of 27 years, Shirley Hanson (Zuransky), formerly of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Blue Hill, Maine. He is survived by his sisters: Carol Emerson of Daytona Beach, FL; Victoria Saia and her husband, Robert, of Marco Island, FL; Kathleen Arabasz and her husband, Mark Miskin, of Southport, ME; and Cynthia Hickey and her husband, William, of Weymouth, MA. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Commercial Club, 1 Neilson Ave., East Bridgewater, MA, from 2–6 p.m. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, or friend—or take a walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day. Time waits for no one. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Somerset Valley Remembrance Center. Of course, those really close to John already know: “You can leave a message, and after speaking your peace, if you’re lucky and he likes you, he may return your call.” Rest in peace, John.