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Kevin J. Arthur, loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully in Peachtree City, Georgia, on March 14, 2026, at the age of 76. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Mary, of Peachtree City, Georgia; three children, Sarah (Felipe) Ruiz of Peachtree City, GA, Teresa (Ross) Morrissey of Mendham, NJ, and Kevin Patrick (Pamela) Arthur of Roatan, Honduras; and seven grandchildren: Simon, Alex, Keira, Elena, Fenton, Leo, and Jamar.
He is also survived by two siblings, Margaret (Mike) Judge of Chatham Township, NJ, and David (Jan) Arthur of Richmond, VA, and Ticonderoga, NY. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen P. Arthur, formerly of Randolph, NJ, and his granddaughter, Mary Kathleen Arthur of Peachtree City.
Kevin was born on April 29, 1949, in Summit, NJ, to Francis J. and Margaret P. Arthur. He grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1967, where he served as President of the Catholic Youth Organization in his community. Kevin went on to earn a BS in Business Administration from the University of Dayton, Ohio, in 1971, and later an MBA from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, in 1994.
Kevin spent two years hitchhiking around the world. While in Africa, he met Mary Hughes of County Meath, Ireland. They were soon married in India before traveling together to Ireland. Upon returning to the United States, Kevin established a lighting business in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians from 1980 to 1982.
In 1989, he joined Eaton (Cooper Lighting) in Chicago, Illinois. In 2001, Kevin relocated to Peachtree City, Georgia, where he served as Vice President of International Sales and Marketing. While in Peachtree City, he was active in many organizations, including serving as Chairman of Grandparents and Kin Raising Children and on the Consumer Advisory Council at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kevin’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
The family is deeply grateful to the many caregivers, medical professionals, and friends who supported Kevin after his paralyzing injury in 2013.
Stephen Callahan says
Full of life and energy, Kevin was someone I will always remember as a true adventurer. Our brief time together as college friends left me with a lifelong admiration for his sense of curiosity and wonder. When I caught up with him in Georgia, soon after his two-year journey traveling the world, I was struck by the spirit that had carried him through it all. It inspired me to seek my own path of exploration, one that eventually led me to the Foreign Service. For that gift, I am deeply grateful. Rest in peace, old friend.
“Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”
Cathryn Leonard says
Friendship, a precious gift, bestowed on many. Yet its complex depth is appreciated by very few
Our bond of friendship my dear friend Kevin, spanning may decade’s, has been a beautiful constant in my life, although miles apart. Your warm generosity of spirit embraced me into your heart and into your families hearts
Your beautiful smile, mischievous eyes,always a beacon of light eminating love, support, worthiness. Joy, respect.
Your endless strong commitment to family and friends
Your openess of heart, sharing a
never ending abundance of love, hope, loyalty, fun and laughter.
Tenacity, work and life ethics have always been your steadfast moral compass, dear friend, guiding your every successful day and a lovely guiding light to us all.
These are just a few of your rich and unique qualities, dear Kevin
Our friendship- from meeting in Sth Africa to date, has been a warm haven for my heart.
Although we have been far away you will always hold a very special place in my heart, 💗 my dear friend.
Rest in peace in your new spiritual home. Slan leat, until we meet again.
Much love Cathryn (Melbourne Australia)
Judith Mielbrecht says
There are no words. Kev has been a member of our family for 59 years, a roommate and a brother. We will treasure the memories we made with him and never forget the devilish smile, the glint in his eye, that said he was dreaming up some crazy plan. And such adventures! Dayton, Ithaca, South America, and Africa.
You and he have had such a long haul. I’m sure he had his moments, but the Kevin we saw was so brave in the face of a nightmare; his sense of humor never failed him. We admire his and your strength.
There is a hole in our hearts, but we will never forget our very special friend. Take care of yourselves and each other. We love you, Judy and Russ
Beth Conyngham says
My dear Kevin you were a ‘brother’ to me and a blessed friend to Nick. To be with you was to be in the presence of the spirit of Jesus. You had an aura.
Our back story is one for the books. My heart hurts knowing I won’t hear your voice or see that twinkle in your eye on this earth. I love you and hope we will reconnect again with Frankie.
Daniel Draper says
What an honor it was to know you. I met you later in your journey, but your story, your character and your compassion for others never ceased to inspire. You touched so many lives at First Step, both patient and staff. You will be thought of often, and always well.
Rest in peace my friend, Thank you for the heart, spirit and soul you shared with us. We are all the better for it.
“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”
Bernie Christopher says
I know I am not alone in feeling a tremendous sense of loss. Kevin was a true friend my entire adult life starting with our four years living together at Dayton. It doesn’t seem so long ago when we went to Woodstock on his motorcycle. Or when he was there to meet me at the airport in Johannesburg before we embarked on a several weeks tour of southern Africa. Or traveling around the island of Roatan with him. Memories that are still fresh in my mind. Things I would not have done if not for the indomitable adventurist spirit of our dear friend. He showed that spirit in meeting his later-life challenges by continuing to live his life to the fullest without ever feeling sorry for himself or becoming bitter. He continues to be an inspiration to myself and all of us who are privileged to call him friend. Rest in peace, Kevin. Thank you, Mary, for being with him and giving him the strength to continue with his life. God bless the entire Arthur family.