Arnold M. Royea

FAIRFIELD - Arnold Maurice Royea, age 89, husband of Hilda (Brown) Royea, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the St. Albans Health & Rehab Facility.

Arnold was born February 27, 1927 in Richford the son of the late Carl A. & Myrtle M. (Little) Royea.

Arnold was raised in Richford and was a 1945 graduate of Richford High School. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Army serving during WWII. He was a lifelong farmer residing in Fairfield most of his adult life. He was a member of the American Legion Post #42 of Enosburg Falls and the VFW Charles DePrato Post #778 of Swanton.
Arnold was a devoted family man. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Red Sox, Patriots & Bruins. He also loved the outdoors and hunting and especially looked forward to deer season.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda Royea of Fairfield. Arnold & Hilda were married on September 30, 1949. He is also survived by his children, Shirley Babcock and her husband Danny of St. Albans, Judy Morey of Highgate, Debby Chatfield and her husband Richard of Highgate Springs, Arnold Royea and his wife Judy of Sheldon, and Michael Royea of Swanton; 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren; his brother, Gerald Gig Royea and his wife Joyce of East Enosburgh; sisters-in-law, Muriel May Darbyson of Stanbridge Est, Quebec, and Rose Royea of Champlain, NY; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Arnold was predeceased by his brothers, Robert, Eric, Ralph & Louis Royea; and his sister, Madeline King.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls with Rev. Jon Bly officiating. Interment will take place privately in the North Fairfield Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Spears Funeral Home.

For those who wish, contributions in Arnolds memory may be made to The University of Vermont Cancer Center, Office of Development, The Courtyard at Given - 1 South, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405.