09/19/2024
It is with extreme sorrow, that we announce the passing of our leader, instructor, mentor, and most importantly, our friend- Jean-Louis Arseneau, and as many knew him- just “Jean”.
Jean opened Gardner Martial Arts Academy in March of 1997 to continue his passion of teaching others.
Best known to his students and peers for his volume, passion, intensity, wisdom, and old chewed gum on the window sill.
And to his friends; for his music, relaxing hangouts, good conversation, and willingness to help them out- even for the smallest task.
Jean loved and knew how to throw a great party, and planned countless over the years at GMAA, and enjoyed watching everyone have a blast. Birthday parties, Black Belt parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties- parties just for the fun of it. Yearly in September, he opened up his camp in Warwick, MA to hundreds of people and families from GMAA over the years, for the schools “End of Summer Bash”. All of which, typically ended with an after-party of sorts.
He created a legacy that can never be overshadowed, nor forgotten- forever leaving a path of smiles and loud laughs wherever he passed through. In Jean’s own words, he was “good company”.
We will forever remember and cherish our time with Jean, his greetings, the (almost brutal) firmness of his handshake, how the warmth of his smile radiated, his contributions to society, and again most importantly- his friendship; which many of us may not have been able to navigate this far into our lives, without it.
View Jean-Louis Arseneau's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
