SALEM- Mr. Richard J. Arundel, 79, of Salem, beloved husband of Elizabeth "Betsy" (Woodman) Arundel, died Friday, April 8, 2016 in Salem Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born in Beverly, Richard was the son of the late Joseph and Esther (O'Brien) Arundel. He attended St. Mary's Grammar School and was a graduate of St. Mary's Boys High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.

Following his honorable discharge as an Airman Second Class in 1960, Richard began his employment at the General Electric Co. as a Turbine Assembler. He retired at the age of 55 after 35 years of service and then became associated with the Peabody Essex Museum, where he was the Security Supervisor for 17 years.

In earlier years, Richard was a member of the Maple Leafs Softball League and was involved with the CYO at Immaculate Conception Church in Salem.

In addition to his loving wife with whom he shared 28 years of marriage, Richard is survived by his children, Mary Luz and her husband Steve, Richard Arundel Jr., and Lori Swasey and her husband Michael all of Salem; two stepdaughters, Dulcinea Sherrick and her husband Richard of Danvers and Jennifer Beaulieu and her husband Richard of Peabody, his 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, his brother, Joseph Arundel and his wife Becky of Illinois and several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS- His Funeral Service will be held in The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq. (At Salem Common) Salem on Tuesday, April 12th at 6:30 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial will be private. Visiting hours prior to the service from 3 to 6:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Richard's memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Rd. Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com