Founder of Royal Air Systems; enjoyed summers at Sebago Lake
Published September 19, 2019
NORTH READING — Arthur A. Pickett, Jr., 76, of North Reading passed away at Lahey Hospital on September 13, 2019 after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Born in Malden on April 1, 1943, he was originally from Everett, the son of the late Arthur A. Pickett Sr. and Alice F. (Finegan) Pickett.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Hazel (Wallace) Pickett, and his children: Susan Potenza and her husband Mark of New Hampshire, Kate Mahoney and her husband Sean, and Arthur Pickett and his wife Kris, all of North Reading. He was an especially proud Gumpy to Abigail, Michael, Arthur and William. He was also loved by his sister, Alice Doherty, his brother-in-law, Richard Wallace and his wife Elsie, and several nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of Everett High School, Class of 1961, and Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering. Having spent his career in the heating and air conditioning industry, Arthur founded Royal Air Systems, Inc. in 1980. He enjoyed working with so many dedicated employees over the years and was especially proud that he left Royal Air in very capable hands upon retirement.
Over the years, he was active in several groups including the Northeast ACCA, The North Reading Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and was a member of the Union Congregational Church of North Reading.
He enjoyed spending summers at Lake Winnipesaukee in his youth and later on Sebago Lake where he built his cottage (and a tree house) with the help of friends and family. He liked the fishing more than the catching, so he could spend more time on the boat, and was always willing to drive the kids to the sandbar for a swim.
He also enjoyed the years he spent with his family horseback riding. He was the best “Horse-Show Dad,” getting up early mornings to drive the trailer to lessons and shows. He loved trail riding at Bradley Palmer with Richard. He and Hazel enjoyed traveling, but above all he loved time spent with his family.
Arthur was quietly generous and will be remembered as fair, loyal and loving. His funeral was held on Wednesday, September 18 at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading. Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 17 at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
