Arthur Pickering

Pickering, Arthur A., 74, of Barrett Ave., died May 7, 2010 at his home. He was the husband of Mary Ann (Kells) Pickering. They would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on May 11th. A lifelong resident of North Providence, he was a son of the late James and Florrie (Sheargold) Pickering.

Arthur had attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before being commissioned with the Food and Drug Administration. He worked with the Division of Agriculture and Marketing as a federal and state collaborator. He also served as a seed control official for the Northeast States Department of Agriculture. He was also a former employee of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Roger Williams Lodge #32, and a lifelong member of the Roger Williams Baptist Church serving as a deacon as well as serving on various boards and committees.

A world traveler, he has visited most of Europe, South America, Asia, North Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman in Alaska, Canada, and much of the northeast USA. He was a member of the Victory Sportsman's Club, serving as treasurer. Since 1988 he has spent much of the summer season at his home in Morgan, VT.

Besides his wife he leaves a brother, J. Gilbert Pickering of Scituate, a nephew Lester Ellis, great nieces Stacy, Mandie, Melissa, and Courtney Ellis, and a great-great niece Madison Turner. He was brother of the late James Pickering and Doris Ellis. He was also pre-deceased by his beloved dog Sam.

His funeral will be held Thursday at 10 AM from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, with a funeral service at 11 AM in Roger Williams Baptist Church, 224 Woodward Rd. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 PM with a Masonic Service at 6:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, or Roger Williams Church Hymnal Fund.