Daniel M. Arkins Sr

Portsmouth, RI - Daniel M. Arkins, Sr., 79, of Founders Avenue, Portsmouth, RI, died Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Veterans Affairs Hospital, Providence, RI. He was the husband of the late Agnes Fitzpatrick Arkins. Born in Kilfenora County Clare, Ireland, on November 2, 1927, he was the son of the late Patrick and Delia Quinn Arkins. Mr. Arkins served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was a custodian for the Portsmouth School Department for 15 years, retiring in 1992. He also worked for Mother of Hope Convent in Portsmouth for 20 years. Mr. Arkins was a communicant of St. Anthonys Church and was also an avid gardener. He is survived by his children Daniel M. Arkins Jr., and his wife Catherine of Melrose, MA and Mary Arkins Decasse and her husband Neil of Woonsocket, RI, his grandchildren Brendan Arkins, Elizabeth Arkins and Anna Arkins all of Melrose, MA, his step granddaughter Elizabeth Decasse of Blackstone, MA, and his sister Bridget Meehan of County Clare, Ireland. He was the father of the late Joseph F. Arkins and the brother of the late Thomas Arkins, Michael Arkins, Patrick Arkins, John Arkins, Joseph Arkins and Mary McMahon. His funeral will be held on Monday, January 29, 2007, at 9:00 am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Anthonys Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007, from 4-8 in the Connors Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport Bristol Cos, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871, or to the Rhode Island Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI, 02809.