Maurice J. Arel, 83

LACONIA — Maurice “Moe” James Arel, 83, formerly of Pine Street Extension, passed away on March 24, 2026, at Concord Hospital, Concord.

Maurice was born Nov. 19, 1942, in St. Albans, Vermont, the son of Theadore R. and Irene (Roberts) Arel. At the young age of 17, he left Vermont for New Hampshire, with his sister Shirley Phillips (Arel) and brother-in-law Albert “Tom” Phillips.

In Laconia, Moe met the love his life, Shirley (Dufault) Arel. Together they built a home and raised two daughters.

Moe was employed for 20 plus years at Bergen & Paterson. While employed at Bergen, he was the president of the Steelworkers Union #5173, a role he was proud to serve in. He enjoyed his “retirement” job at NAPA Auto Parts, in Laconia, delivering auto parts to various businesses where he made many lasting friendships. In his younger days he enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagles in Twin Mountain. He was a member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks #676 and a communicant St. Andre Bessette Parish — Sacred Heart Church.

Moe leaves two daughters, Sheila J. Arel of Morristown, Vermont, and Charlotte M. Arel of Venice, Florida; grandson Justin M. Marcotte of Roxbury, Vermont; granddaughter Danielle Drake of Adairsville, Georgia; great-grandson Cody J. Marcotte of Morrisonville, New York; brothers Elmer and Alfred; sister Theresa Payne of Vermont, who remained a steady emotional support to Moe until the end.

In addition to his parents, Moe is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; granddaughter Ashley M. Knight of Florida, brothers Stanley and Theodore; and sisters Sandra, Shirley, Carolyn and Mary Jean.

Moe lived the last year of his life at Bishop Bradley Apartments at the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The family gives thanks and gratitude to all the staff and residents at the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for making the last year a great one.

Thanks to Quality Care Home Health for living up to their name.

A big thanks to his loving sister Theresa, her husband Reb, his sister-in-law Mary Arel and his big brother Elmer for the trip to New Hampshire, so Moe could see his remaining family.

Also, thank you to the neighbors from Pine Street Extension, and Rick H. who provided rides and emotional support to Moe when the family was not available. The family will be forever thankful for that sense of community.

The family will be respecting Moe’s wishes of no calling hours.

A private burial will be held in the spring.

For those who wish, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 406 Court St., Laconia, NH 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.