Arthur E. Press

WEST CHESTERFIELD-Arthur E. “Art” Press, 83, passed away on Friday morning, November 29, 2024 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness. Art was born in Florence at the old Laying In Hospital. He was raised in Easthampton, attending local schools. Art worked for many years at the former Northampton State Hospital as a carpenter and locksmith. He had previously worked at Hardigg industries in South Deerfield. Art loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, even fashioning his own bow and arrows from native lumber. He was a member of the Easthampton beagle Club and a life member of the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club. Art was an avid photographer and a longtime member of the Amherst/Easthampton Camera Club. He enjoyed softball and was both player and coach for the Chesterfield Kings softball team. He was a communicant of our Lady of the Hills Church in Haydenville. He met his wife, the former Judith Buckman over 65 years ago and they were married, settling in West Chesterfield and they enjoyed 55 years of love, happiness, and many memories. He leaves his beloved wife, Judith (Buckman) Press. His son Daryl Press of CA. His sisters in law; Sandra and Richard Jaescke of Northampton, Elaine Gilmore of Chester and brothers in laws, Lester & Dennis Buckman of West Springfield. His niece Susan Jaescke and nephew Timothy Jaescke and great niece and nephew Emily and Alex Kennedy and many cousins in the area.

The family will receive friends at the AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Burial in Mount Cemetery, Chesterfield will be private at a later date.