PORTLAND – Arthur “Art” J. Piteau, Jr., a lifelong resident of Portland, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Born on May 30, 1952, in Portland, Art was the beloved son of the late Arthur Sr. and Mary (Curran) Piteau.

A proud graduate of Portland High School’s Class of 1970, Art went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Maine, Portland. In 1972, he embarked on a distinguished career with the US Postal Service. Over the years, Art rose through various management ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Even after his retirement in 2008, Art’s dedication to his former colleagues remained unwavering, as he continued to host Postal Retiree luncheons bi-annually for many years.

In addition to his career, Art was deeply involved in his community. From 1978 to 2007, he coached women’s softball, founding and leading the “Artful Dodgers” to numerous regional and state championships, as well as national tournaments, never experiencing a losing season. His players held him in high regard, maintaining lasting friendships with him long after their playing days. Art also participated in men’s softball, organizing and umpiring postal tournaments, and serving as President of the Portland Softball League for three years.

Art’s love for music was well-known. He shared his passion on WMPG at the University of Southern Maine, and as a concert promoter with Night Train, he was instrumental in bringing major national acts to Portland, including The Eagles, America, Tina Turner, Aerosmith, and Alice Cooper. His contributions to the music scene were acknowledged in the book A Long Long Time Ago: Major Rock and Roll Concerts in Maine. Art was also a familiar face at the Portland Expo, where he worked security at professional wrestling events.

Above all, Art was a man of remarkable compassion, integrity, and generosity. From an early age, Art’s innate sense of responsibility and empathy shone brightly. After the untimely passing of his father in 1967, when Art was just 14, he embraced the role of caregiver to his elder siblings, ensuring their well-being and providing unwavering support. This deep-seated compassion continued throughout his life, guiding his actions and relationships. In his professional life, Art was a steadfast mentor and advocate for his colleagues at the USPS, fostering a supportive environment and remaining actively engaged with them even into their retirements. His integrity and selflessness were most evident when he founded the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Support Committee, motivated by the tragic loss of a young woman he knew in 2008. Recognizing the need for support for survivors and their families, Art channeled his grief into action, creating a network of care and resources. His commitment to making a difference extended beyond his immediate circle, reflecting his belief in the importance of community and connection. Art’s legacy of kindness and his dedication to the well-being of others are testaments to a life lived with a profound sense of duty and a generous spirit that touched the lives of many.

Art’s sister, Helen Tackett, passed away just four weeks before him, and her funeral was scheduled on his last birthday, marking one of his final acts of love and devotion. In addition to his parents and Helen, Art is predeceased by his brother, John Piteau.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara Dalton of Portland; nieces, Michelle Kasaei-Fard and her husband Shahram of Yarmouth, and Lisa Holt and her husband Shawn of South Portland; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours celebrating Art’s life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 24 at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Art’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made to:

the Maine Brain

Aneurysm Awareness at http://www.MaineBA.org



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