Arthur Z. Despins

Arthur Z. Despins, 80, of Manchester died February 21, 2003 at Concord Hospice House after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Meriden, CT on November 6, 1922, he was the son of Henry and Amelia (Lamirande) Despins. He lived in Manchester most of his life and had wintered in Rotunda West, FL for many years.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Army and had been stationed in Japan.

Mr. Despins was the owner and operator of Artilu's Variety, which was located on Union Street in Manchester, for many years. He retired after 10 years with the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission.

He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion. He had been a longtime communicant of St. George Church.

The family includes his wife of 56 years, Madeleine (Remillard) Despins of Manchester; six children, Suzanne I. Nelson of Portsmouth, Charlene M. Tremaine of Manchester, Arthur L. Despins of Columbia, MO, William E. Despins of Oak Hill, VA, Richard P. Despins of Rochester and Michael A.H. Despins of St. Johnsbury, VT; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass of Christian burial was Wednesday February 26, 2003 in Sacred Heart Church, 223 So. Main St., Manchester. The burial was in St. Augustin Cemetery, Manchester.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program - F, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.