Arthur Carl Godjikian, 90, a lifelong resident of Salem, died early Sunday morning, March 14th, 2021. He died at the Rosewood Nursing Facility in Peabody under Hospice care.

He was born at home on Peabody St on November 4th, 1930 to Ohan S. and Annie (Kacherian) Godjikian. He was the second of five boys born to Ohan and Annie. He entered school speaking only Armenian. He was a 1949 graduate of Salem High School. He was married for 65 years to Estelle M Legault, also a lifelong resident of Salem.

Always a hard worker, Arthur worked for several companies before he retired at age 65 in 1995. The firms he worked for include, Goldsmith's News Agency, Peabody Lumber, and Jefferson Industrial. He finished his career serving for over 25 years as a team player for Arthur Epstein and his several Midas Muffler Shops. Most always in a position of a manager, Arthur earned the love and respect of not only those he worked for, but also those that worked for him.

Perhaps Arthur's proudest personal achievement was playing football for Salem High School. He loved his football! After his last game with Salem, the annual Thanksgiving clash with rival Beverly, the referee entered the Salem fieldhouse looking for dad. Finding him he extended his hand and said, "that was the finest game I ever saw a high school player play". Beverly beat Salem that day, 38 -0.

Arthur was a proud man. Proud of his family and proud of the home he and Estelle established. He was a good man, a very good man. He was a wonderful husband and father. Earnest and honest, he was a friend to all. He enjoyed picnics with family and friends, horseshoes and loved watching his Patriots. And boy, did he love his cigars!

He is survived by his three children, Arthur Jr and Connie of Saint Maries, Idaho, Michael and Tim Ryan of East Arlington, Vermont and Debra and Barry Young of Groveland Massachusetts. He has four granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother Richard, of Woburn, Massachusetts.

In addition to his wife Estelle, who died in November of 2019, he was predeceased by, three brothers, Frank, Robert and Paul.

Visiting hours will take place on Thursday March 18, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. Those in attendance will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing guidelines per the ordinances of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Arthur and Estelle's favorite charity, St Jude's Children's Hospital.