Arnold J. Lashua

Arnold J. “Arnie” Lashua, 92, passed away Thursday evening, June 22, 2017, at the Springfield Health & Rehab Center in Springfield, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Dec. 16, 1924, in Springfield, the son of Julian and Bertha (Wilson) Lashua.

He attended Springfield schools, and graduated from Springfield High School. He later attended a variety of law enforcement courses at Chaplain College, Babson Institute and Norwich University. He had specialized training in FBI Police Management School and completed studies in such areas as criminal investigation, crowd control and drug investigation. On Aug. 4, 1946, he married Priscilla Drake. On Aug. 4, 2016, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Arnold served the town of Springfield, Vermont for many years as a police officer, first as a special, then sergeant, and as acting chief upon the death of Chief Sherman Martin. After retirement from the police force, he served the town of Springfield for many years as a lister.

He is survived by his wife Priscilla; son Gary Lashua and his wife Lyn, and daughter Linda Converse and her husband Albert; four grandchildren, Chari McAllister and her husband Arron, Erica Blais and her husband John, Trevor Lashua and his wife Kelly, and Melissa McCarthy and her husband Dave; also by eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Bernard Lashua and Edward Lashua; and sisters Anastacia Streeter and Gwendolyn Pelletier.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 30, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield, Vermont. Reverend Gerry Piper will officiate.

A gathering will follow at the Springfield Elks Club on Park Street in Springfield, Vermont.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Elks Silver Towers Foundation c/o Carol Sylvia, Secretary, P.O. Box 5, Perkinsville, VT 05151.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

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