It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Arthur F. “Art” Cormier of Brimfield, a man full of humor and kindness. Art was born on “Friday the 13th” in November 1942, to the late Henry Cormier and Tina (Morisi) Cormier, and departed from this life on January 2, 2026. Through his journey of 83 years, he touched many with his quick wit, charm, and generous heart. He was raised by his late beloved Uncle Pat and Aunt Camilla Morisi in the Hungry Hill neighborhood of Springfield, where he attended Springfield Technical High School.

A prankster in his youth, he had a knack for making everyone laugh, a trait he carried throughout his life. He spent his time frequenting his grandparents’ candlepin bowling alleys where he won multiple trophies in competition. He’d often recount his days working to manually reposition the pins – one of his first jobs. He was very close to his grandparents, and would regularly go fishing with his grandfather; a tradition he carried on with his own grandchildren.

In 1973, he married the love of his life, Flora (Lambert) Cormier, who predeceased him in 1999. She loved to dance and he had “two left feet”, but they complimented each other perfectly. They raised their daughter, Caren, in Belchertown, before moving to Brimfield in 1983. They spent their lives together playing cards and laughing with friends, visiting New York City jazz clubs, watching the Tri-County Fair horse races, and vacationing at York Beach, Maine, where Art enjoyed combing the beach for treasures. A family tradition spanning many generations, visiting the quaint beach town became a cherished event.

Although Art was known for his gentle soul and love of animals, he had an accomplished career in the pest removal industry spanning over 40 years. He prided himself on the humane methods his business, Art Cormier Exterminating, employed, and often bragged about his “catch and release” program. Adding a touch of humor to everything he did, he could be spotted around town in his ant covered work vehicle proudly displaying his motto, “Don’t settle for less than a work of Art!”. Contrasting to his professional career, Art often rescued and rehabilitated local wildlife and birds, helped reunite lost pets and rehome strays, and always did whatever he could to help sick or injured animals - even going so far as to risk his own safety when a particularly large and unlucky dog wandered across some thin ice.

Known for his macabre sense of humor, he was an avid fan of classic horror films and often watched adaptations of his favorite childhood book, Dracula. When he wasn’t enjoying the masterpieces of Alfred Hitchcock, he could be found listening to the jazz stylings of Chet Baker. His lifelong love for jazz music was among his many passions, as well as playing pool, golfing, baseball and bird watching. In his final days, he enjoyed visiting with family and playing games with his great-granddaughter, Hailey Ahearn.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Along with his wife Flora, Art was preceded in death by his cousin Patty (Morisi) Lis who was like a sister to him, and grandson, Tom Harrington.

He is survived by his daughter, Caren Harrington (Tom) of Palmer; his grandchildren, Holly Eckert (Richard) of Brimfield, Tina-Marie Cannon (Dac) of Savannah, GA, Alex Harrington (Jenn Lavin) of Leicester; his brother, Bob Cormier (Suzanne) of Brewster; his cousin, Al Cormier (Sara Jane) of Salem, NY; and several great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 24 at Beers and Story Funeral Home, 1475 North Main Street, Palmer MA with a reception at Tony & Penny’s Restaurant to follow.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Art’s love of animals by donating to Cummington Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. https://cummingtonwildlife.com/