Arthur “Archie” Joseph Belaire, 81, died on Thursday afternoon, August 8, 2013 at the New London Hospital.

He was born in Claremont, NH on August 16, 1931 the son of Joseph E. and Anna Marie (Truchon) Belaire. 

Archie was a graduate of St. Mary High School and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict having served in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate.  He worked for Bryant Grinder Co., and then for Sturm Ruger as a machinist for more than 25 years.

He was an excellent marksman and was a member of the prestigious Dirty Dozen Club and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. 

Archie enjoyed hunting, fishing and scuba diving; he also did rescue diving with the LaPorte’s and every year they would do the midnight New Year’s Eve plunge-dive.   

Archie loved children and had a kind and generous nature. His sense of humor showed through his unique and frequent giggle. 

The family includes four nieces, Joan, Martha, Lola and Betty; three nephews, Joel, Robert, and Michael; one brother-in-law, Raymond Bodeur, and several cousins and grand nieces and nephews. His “extended family” of closest friends includes Helen Whittaker, Kevin Jones, Harry Butler, Natalie Vuletich, Tammy Griggs and their children.

He was pre-deceased by three sisters, Rose Ross, Teresa Bodeur and Beatrice Carleton; one brother: Alfred Belaire; one nephew, Richard Farnsworth and also an infant brother.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH on Monday evening, from 6-8 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 13^th at Eleven O’clock in St. Mary Church with Rev. Shawn M. Therrien, Pastor, officiating. 

Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.