MARLBOROUGH

Arthur F. "Buster" Balthazar Jr, 86, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born on February 14, 1939, in Marlborough, the son of the late Arthur and Antonia Balthazar, Arthur's arrival on Valentine's Day was a fitting beginning for a life defined by love, joy, and laughter. He attended Worcester Boys Trade School, graduating in 1958.

In his younger years, Buster was an avid water skier. He was an original founding member of the Fort Meadow Water Ski Club in Marlborough and performed in many water ski shows throughout Marlborough and the New England area.

Known affectionately as "Mr. B" to generations of students, he devoted more than three decades to teaching Auto Body at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School. His dedication to education, craftsmanship, and mentorship left an enduring mark on the school community and on the many lives he touched through his guidance and expertise.

Surviving Arthur is his loving wife of 52 years, Loreen (Pearl) Balthazar of Hudson, MA. His legacy continues through his beloved children: Michelle (Balthazar) Norcross and her husband Michael, and granddaughter Alyce of North Grafton; Nicola "Nikki" (Young) Banfield and her husband Rich of Shrewsbury; Nina (Young) Rivard and her husband Edward of Spencer, and grandchildren Nicholas Maillet and Julia Maillet; Brian Balthazar and his fiancée Dawn MacPherson, grandchildren Ashley, Amber, and Anthony, and great-grandchildren Colton and Aurora of Sebastian, Florida; Andrea "Andi" (Young) Cahill and her husband Jay and granddaughter Kennedy and grandson JP of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Tim Balthazar and his wife Carrie, and granddaughters Fynley, Haddie and grandson Hudson of Orlando, Florida. Arthur was predeceased by his sister Claire Vanasse.

Arthur was a lifelong dog lover who volunteered with Greyhound Friends and Greyhound Options over the years. He fostered many retired greyhounds though he was famously known as a "failed foster," since most of the dogs he was supposed to give up mysteriously ended up staying forever as cherished family pets.

A time of visitation has been set for 12PM-3PM on Saturday, December 6, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auto Body "Tools of the Trade" Program at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School, an initiative that reflects Arthur's lifelong commitment to vocational education and student success. Kindly direct memorial donation payments to Assabet Valley R.T.H.S. Please include a note, directing the funds to be allocated to tools of the trade/auto body. Payments may be forwarded to Assabet Valley Regional Vocational High School - Attn: Dawn Bacon, 215 Fitchburg St., Marlborough, MA 01752.

Donations may also be made to Greyhound Options, GO, 43 Sczygiel Road, Ware, MA 01082. https://www.greyhoundoptions.org/

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.