Arthur Plymesser

Arthur Plymesser, 99, passed away November 21, 2024, at the John Clarke Nursing Center. Arthur was born June 28, 1925, in Fall River, Massachusetts to Raymond Sr. and Mary (Brooks) Plymesser and was the brother to the late Raymond, Robert, Cyrus, Thomas, George, and Shirley Plymesser.

Arthur left school in the 8th grade to work and help the family during the Great Depression. After a cross-country drive to help a serviceman return home to Washington state, Arthur returned to RI and joined several of his brothers by enlisting in the miliary to serve his country in WWII. Arthur served in the 36th Infantry Division Artillery (Texas Division) as part of the 132nd Field Artillery Battalion - seeing action in Italy, France, and Germany. After the war, Arthur stayed in the Army and was transferred to the 7th Infantry Division in Korea until the end of his tour. A proud veteran, Arthur continued to stay attached to his military life when he returned home. Most notably, he was active in the American Legion (Middletown and Portsmouth posts) and most recently traveling to Washington, D.C. with the RI Honor Flight with his brother Tom and daughter Sherry.

After serving in the Army, Arthur worked alongside his father in multiple bakeries including Park Holm Bakery (a trade along with cooking that he picked up in the service) until he got tired of the early hours. He was known in the family as an amazing cook and baker and family members looked forward to the holidays where he would come around to drop off fresh-baked apple, pumpkin, and mince pies; apple-raisin squares; or bring his scratch-baked beans and chouriço to family cookouts. His other great passions included fishing (which he WOULD get up early for) and service.

Arthur was an active member of the Elks where he would help organize events and eventually became very involved with the United Baptist Church in Newport, serving on the board for several years. He helped oversee and participated in numerous initiatives there including the construction of a wheelchair ramp and the remodeling of a new kitchen that helped serve many of the needy in the Newport area - where he also cooked on a regular basis.

After the service, Arthur eventually found himself in the newspaper trade, working for the Providence Journal and Newport Daily News - eventually becoming the composing room foreman for the Taunton Daily Gazette for almost 20 years before retiring.

Arthur is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Elsie (Perry) and wife of 27 years Rachel (Perry). He leaves behind his son Stuart and wife Kristina Scalone, daughters Sherry Fortin and husband Jeffrey, Ruth Dionne and husband Daniel, Rebecca Baxter and husband David, Mary Lou Coffey and husband Charles, son George Perry and wife Edythe, and niece Linda Plymesser and husband Michael Cuddington. He also leaves grandchildren Alex, Jennifer, Chelsea, Elizabeth, Nicolas, Nathan, Sarah, Ian, Brendon, Georgie, Vanessa, Tommy, Justin, Jacob, and Isaac.; along with the many great-grandchildren he cared deeply for.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at the John Clarke Senior Living and Nursing Centers for the loving care and companionship they gave him over the years.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Funeral services will be at the Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM followed by graveside service with Military Honors at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Lane, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Arthur's memory to the Resident Activity Fund, John Clarke Nursing Center, 600 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842 (Please note "Activity Fund" on your donation.)