Obituary of Clarence (Larry) W. McArthur

Clarence W. McArthur Owner and manager of professional building in South Orange, WWII sergeant awarded Bronze Star, expert marksman, Mason and church deacon Clarence W. McArthur (Larry) died Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, N.J. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at First Presbyterian and Trinity Church, corner of South Orange Avenue and Irvington Avenue, South Orange, N.J., on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m. Interment is in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, N.J. Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave., South Orange, on Tuesday, March 17, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Born in North Newark, N.J., Mr. McArthur lived for the past 60 years in South Orange, where he owned and managed the Prospect Professional Building since 1958. Mr. McArthur was affiliated with the mortuary firm of W.N. Knapp and Sons in East Orange, N.J., for 25 years, retiring in 1977. He was a graduate of McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, where he graduated cum laude and was awarded the Dr. John McAllister Memorial Award for academic proficiency. He also attended American University and completed post-graduate work at the American Academy of Mortuary Science in New York City. Mr. McArthur was a 60-year member of St. John's Lodge, No. One, F&AM in Mountain Lakes, N.J. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite (Valley of N. New Jersey) in Lincoln Park, N.J. He was a 32 degree Mason, and as a Shriner, a member of Salaam Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. in Livingston, N.J. Mr. McArthur was a 25-year member of the South Orange-Maplewood Kiwanis Club, where he served for 16 years as a chairman of the boys and girls committee, for which he was the recipient of a special award in recognition of his dedicated service in the interest of youth and underprivileged children of South Orange and Maplewood, N.J. Mr. McArthur was a gun collector of modern and antique firearms, and as a young man was well-known for his marksmanship skills throughout New Jersey and many Southern states. He was the recipient of many trophies and medals from rifle and pistol matches in open competition (civilian and military) held throughout the country. In 1941 he was awarded the prestigious Hickman Trophy, presented annually to the outstanding marksman in the State of New Jersey. During his military career he was captain of three U.S. Army sharpshooting teams. Mr. McArthur was a veteran of World War II and was in the first contingent of volunteers to leave New Jersey for military service after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He held the rank of first sergeant and was a senior paratrooper and jump master. Mr. McArthur volunteered to serve with Special Forces and was assigned to a newly formed unit known as the "7th Airborne Raiders," which after the war received a high military commendation from General Eisenhower. Mr. McArthur was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter No. 38, Bloomfield, N.J., and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Mr. McArthur served three years in Panama prior to World War II, training and teaching jungle warfare under combat conditions on special assignment with the Army's Central 774th Strategic Command. Mr. McArthur was a member of First Presbyterian and Trinity Church in South Orange since 1953, during which time he served on numerous committees. He was a deacon and elder of the church for many years and, when called upon, assisted in conducting services. He also served for 14 years as chairman of the property committee. Clarence was the beloved husband of the late Josephine R. McArthur, to whom he was married for 57 years, and was also predeceased by his son, Wayne D. McArthur. Surviving are his daughter, Gale P. McArthur; a daughter-in-law, Gabriella, and one granddaughter, Michele, and her husband, Ivan Catejo. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation , 30 E. 33 St., New York, N.Y. 10016, or determine to be never too busy to take the time to enjoy the good things in life, which can be very short.