Marblehead

Mr. Arthur Rosario Fraser, age 79, husband of Gayle (Griffiths) Fraser, died Tuesday morning, March 27, 2012 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by his family. Born and raised in Salem, the son of the late Joseph and Yvonne (Roy) he was educated in local schools.

Once he completed his education Mr. Fraser joined his Father and brothers in the family business, Fraser Motor Express in Salem. He later was employed by the Ford Motor Company in Somerville where Edsel cars were being manufactured.

Eventually Mr. Fraser was able to pursue has passion for boating both recreationally and professionally as the Manager of Ted Hood's Little Harbor Boat Yard in Marblehead. Among his countless sailboat projects he managed for Mr. Hood to campaign successfully. Included in his oversight were the many "Robins", Ted Hood's racing yachts; the America's Cup 12 Meter boats, "Nefertiti", "Courageous" and "Independence". He also oversaw Dodge Morgan's "American Promise" which set a record breaking circumnavigation.

When Little Harbor Boat Yard closed in Marblehead, Arthur and Gayle cruised south on their yacht, which became their home for over 20 years, as the lived aboard in Annapolis, Maryland and started their own marine business.

Arthur loved to work with his hands and was known to be able to design, build and repair just about anything. One of his greatest roles was that as "Grampy". He enjoyed, taught and loved his grand and great grandchildren.

Mr. Fraser embraced life and all it had to offer. Every day was an adventure that he loved to share with Gayle".

A Life Member of Palmer Cove Yacht Club and Past Commodore, he was instrumental in the design and construction of its current Marina.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by five children, Diane LeBlanc and her companion Dan Saunders, Debbie Conant and her husband Steve, Donna Fraser and her companion Al Souza, Gary Fraser and his wife Lisa and Lisa DePrisco; eleven grandchildren, Jeffrey LeBlanc, Brian LeBlanc and his wife Christine, Paul "PJ" LeBlanc and his wife Tara, Adam Bouchard and his fiancé Sherri Favalaro, Brandon Souza, Eric Conant, Jesse Fraser, Daniel Arthur Fraser and Cameron Fraser, Melissa DePrisco and Vinny DePrisco; ten great grandchildren, Arianna, Alexa, Paul "PJ" Jr, Tyson, Sydney and Sophie Rose LeBlanc, Trent Bouchard, Andrew and Alex Conant, and Gavin Fraser, one brother Richard V. Fraser of Raymond, NH and his former wife Nancy (Palm) Fraser, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Leopold "Paul" Fraser, Wilfred Fraser and Raymond Fraser and two sisters, Lucienne Gallant and Yvonne Martel who died recently on March 24, 2011.

Visiting hours will be held for Mr. Fraser on Friday March 30, 2012 in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St.) Salem from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Funeral services will be private. Because of the wonderful care given to Arthur with his defibrillator, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator) Clinic, c/o NSMC Development Office, 81 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.