Arthur E. LaGrant

ATHOL -Arthur E. LaGrant, formerly of 735 Silver Lake Street, Athol, died Wednesday, October 19, at Quabbin Valley Health Care after a short illness.   Mr. La Grant was born June 12, 1919 in Hardwick, MA, the son of Louis and Elsie (Lanfair) LaGrant. He was married to Regina (Richard) for 56 years, before her passing in 1998.   Mr. LaGrant entered the United States National Guard in 1940 and served as a military policeman at 2 bases in the Air Force in the USA. He was transferred to the 311 Infantry Regiment serving in England, France, and Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1946 as a sergeant. At the time of his discharge, he received five service ribbons, three badges and two medal ribbons.   Mr. LaGrant was employed by the former Swift River Box Company on Lake Ellis Road. He also worked at the former Athol Manufacturing Company and for L.S. Starrett Company in Athol. Mr.LaGrant was the custodian at the Athol Cooperative Bank for 38 years and self-employed for over 40 years doing odd jobs.   Mr.LaGrant was one of the residents of Dana, MA and had to leave his home when the town was flooded with the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir.   He was a member of the Athol Elks Club for 59 years. Arthur LaGrant’s name is engraved on the plaque on the wall at the Athol Veteran’s Park.   Mr. LaGrant leaves cousins Frank, Richard, and Raymond LaGrant of Ware, MA; sisters in law Theresa Johnson of Gardner and Eva Richard of Sherbrook, Canada; several nephews and nieces including caregivers Ernest and Sally Johnson of Gardner, MA.   Mr. LaGrant had three brothers who all predeceased him; Robert, Edmund, and Francis LaGrant, along with cousins Joseph and Rose.   Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. Burial with military honors will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.   A calling hour will be held on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.   Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Quabbin Valley Health Care Social Activities fund; 821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA. 01330.   To sign the online guest book please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com.   Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });