Arnold M. Ashley

DOVER - Arnold M. Ashley, 84, died May 12, 2012 at Hyder Family Hospice House. Born October 14, 1927 in Barnstead, NH son of the late Adelbert and Alice Ashley. He graduated from Portsmouth High School, served in the U.S. Maritime Service and U.S. Navy. He worked at General Electric and then owned and operated Ridings Press, Inc. Arnold, a devoted Mason began his Masonic career in Rochester progressing through the chairs of the four Orders. He held the positions of Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Royal and Select Masters of NH and Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of NH. He became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of NH and was inducted into the select group of Masons known as the "Four Star Generals". He is a 33rd degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Arnold is a Past Patron of James Farrington/Pleiades Chapter No. 7 OES. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara married 62 years. Children, Betty Ashley, Nancy Donahue and husband Michael, and son Kenneth Ashley and wife Jill; three grandchildren, Sean Donahue and wife Erin, Keri Coy and husband Michael, and Olivia Ashley; sisters Barbara Walnut, Shirley Lacy and many nieces and nephews. Arnold was predeceased by his brother, Robert Ashley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arnold M. Ashley Scholarship Fund, c/o Humane Lodge No. 21, 31 Hanson Street, Rochester, NH 03867. Calling hours will be held Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St, Rochester NH 03867 with a Masonic Service at 7 PM. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10am in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev Dwight Meader officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Hill cemetery in Dover.