ARNOLD C. GASKIN

     Arnold C. Gaskin, 92, died April 2 in The Jewish Health Care Center in Worcester.

Arnold was born in New York, New York in 1923 to Clement Joseph and Olinda (Gomes) Gaskin. He was raised in Hawthorne, California.

After graduating high school, Arnold enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1941 and served until October 1947. During World War II he participated in four major battles and 19 engagements with the enemy. He survived the sinking of his ship, the USS Astoria in the battle at Savo Island in the South Pacific. Arnold met and married his Coast Guard sweetheart, Grace, in California on December 15, 1944.

After World War II, Arnold and his family moved to Massachusetts and eventually settled in the town of Holden, building his home in the Jefferson area. Arnold worked many years for Otis Elevator before becoming a Massachusetts Department of Public Safety inspector of elevators, ski lifts and other public conveyances. He also worked for the Alpine Ski Shops of Holden and Framingham as a binding technician.

As a volunteer, Arnold served over twenty years on the National Ski Patrol at Mount Wachusett. He was a volunteer for Wachusett Greenways and the Holden Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels. Arnold was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Holden, American Legion Post 42, and The Retired Men’s Club of Greendale.

As a result of his first aid training, Arnold was able to save a life while vacationing on Cape Cod. At the scene of an overturned boat, Arnold dived into the ocean to rescue a woman who had already gone under water. His application of CPR resulted in the eventual full recovery of the victim.

Arnold enjoyed skiing, fishing, clamming, and camping, especially on Cape Cod. He took great interest in many things mechanical. As a result of being a Navy aircraft mechanic, he learned the skills to build his “hot rod” Volkswagens and other vehicles.

Arnold is predeceased by his wife, Grace Iris (Stolnacke) Gaskin, his parents, and a brother, Harry, at a very young age. He leaves three sons, Gary (Karen) and Jeffrey of Jefferson, and Stephen of Holden. He also leaves three grandchildren, Rachel Nedic (Sasa) of New Jersey, Samuel Gaskin (Elizabeth) of Northampton, MA, and Lori Gaskin of Worcester.

A funeral service honoring Arnold’s life will be held privately at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury Street, Holden, MA 01520 or, to Wachusett Greenways, P.O. Box 121, Holden, MA 01520.