CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Arthur Joseph Thibert Sr., 86, of Clarksburg died Thursday, April 14, 2016, at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, Vt.

He was born in North Adams on Sept. 15, 1929, a son of the late Leo and Maria (Perras) Thibert. He graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1948, where he was a star football player and athlete. He was a decorated veteran of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a sergeant. 

After his military career, he graduated from Springfield College with a degree in physical education. He was employed as physical education teacher in the Miami, Fla., area for several years and later obtained the position of principal for a private school in the Miami area. 

He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. His first wife, Josephine (Campolo) Thibert, died in 1995. His second wife, Phyllis (Miller) Thibert, whom he married June 22, 1996, died January 8, 2001. 

Survivors include one son, Arthur "AJ" Thibert Jr. and his wife Lisa of Clarksburg; two daughter, Roseanna Conley and her husband Scott and Julia Clark and her husband Carl, both of Florida; 10 grandchildren, Christopher, Darren, Gina, A.J III, Randy, Kelly, Jacklyn, Allison, Jamie and Tessa; and eight great-grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by a son, Leo DeRosier, and a granddaughter, Lacey Rae Thibert. 

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 22, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. Burial with full military honors will follow in Southview Cemetery. 

Calling hours are Thursday, April 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for the Arthur Thibert Sr. grandchildren's education fund through the funeral home.