The Rev. Arthur S. Vaeni, a cherished minister and community leader, passed away at the age of 75 on October 24, 2025. He succumbed to complications from a blood clot while at home in Plymouth, New Hampshire, surrounded by his wife, Sally Vaeni. Known for his calm demeanor and compassionate spirit, Arthur made a lasting impact on many lives throughout his decades of service.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 8, 1950, in Concord, New Hampshire, Arthur was raised by his parents, Marjorie Spooner Vaeni and Starkey Vaeni. He was the youngest of two brothers, with his older sibling being Edwin Vaeni. After graduating from Bishop Brady High School, Arthur attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army until his honorable discharge in 1977. He later earned a Master’s degree in communications from Indiana University.
In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Gail Painchaud, with whom he had two children, Annemarie and Brian. His family was central to his life and brought him immense joy.
Spiritual Journey and Community Impact
Arthur’s spiritual exploration began in his early thirties, leading him to find his calling in Unitarian Universalism. After completing his studies at Harvard Divinity School, he was ordained in 1987 by the Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Plymouth, NH. He became the first full-time minister of the congregation, which flourished under his leadership, culminating in the construction of a new Meetinghouse on Fairgrounds Road.
In 1993, Arthur married Sally Gove, forming a loving partnership that lasted over three decades. The couple relocated to Olympia, Washington, in 2001, where Arthur served as the minister of the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation (OUUC) for 13 years. He was particularly passionate about addressing homelessness and championed the establishment of Camp Quixote, a tent city that provided shelter for the homeless in Olympia. Under his guidance, OUUC welcomed the encampment into its parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to social justice that resonated deeply within the community.
Arthur’s ministry was marked by collaboration, as other local churches joined in hosting the tent city. Camp Quixote ultimately transformed into permanent housing, featuring tiny homes and a community center, further solidifying Arthur’s legacy of compassion and advocacy.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2014, the Vaeni family moved to Bangor, Maine, where Arthur served as an interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor (UUSB) for two years. It was during this time that he received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Following his diagnosis, he and Sally returned to New Hampshire in March 2016, where Arthur continued to embrace life with gratitude and purpose despite the challenges of his illness.
Arthur maintained a daily practice of loving-kindness meditation, which guided him through the ups and downs of his later years. He remained active, exercising regularly and enjoying the outdoors, including an impressive streak of climbing Mt. Washington every year for 40 consecutive years. Even while facing Alzheimer’s, he exemplified kindness and generosity, often expressing appreciation through handwritten thank-you notes.
Arthur’s family included his wife, Sally; his daughter Annemarie, her husband Scott Case, and their children Sam and Izzy; his son Brian and his wife Liz Flannery, along with their daughters Emmy, Ellie, and Evie; and his brother, Edwin Vaeni, and his wife Nancy Nazaroff, along with their children Kara Lynn and Jeremy. Arthur will be remembered for his love of life, his commitment to his congregations, and the warmth he brought to those around him.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 18, 2026, at 14:00 at the Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 101 Fairgrounds Road, Plymouth, NH 03264. The service will be live-streamed and recorded, with details available on the Starr King Unitarian Universalist website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health, at 101 Boulder Point Drive #3, Plymouth, NH 03264.
For those wishing to view Arthur’s online tribute or send condolences to the family, further information is available at www.csnh.com.
