Arthur W. Telles, Jr., 85
WAREHAM – Arthur W. Telles, Jr., 85, of Wareham, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was the devoted husband of Joan M. (Covell) Telles and the son of the late Arthur W. Telles, Sr. and Geraldine R. (Larsen) Telles.
Born in East Boston, Arthur later made Wareham his home for many years. He was a graduate of Melrose High School and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, accomplishments he carried with pride throughout his life. Arthur honorably served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve where he was deployed to Vietnam.
Arthur was at his best on the water. The sea wasn’t just a hobby; it was part of who he was. From offshore powerboat racing to relaxed days boating with friends and family, he felt most alive there. Still, nothing meant more to him than his family. He loved time spent with them, his dogs at his side, tropical vacations, and cheering from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events. Being present for those moments mattered to him.
He lived his love of the sea through his work as a yacht captain aboard multiple vessels and later in boat sales. In the final chapter of his career, Arthur served as a plant manager for Preferred Freezer Services. There, he earned deep respect for his leadership, dependability, willingness to mentor others, and his work ethic.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Joan and their 2 dogs. His son Christopher Telles, his granddaughter Kayla, and great-granddaughter Ariana. His Daughters: Melanie Lawhorne, her husband Dennis and his grandchildren Caroline, Cameron and James; Beth Ann Salemme, her husband Christopher and his granddaughters Liliana and Lainey; Ashley Telles, her partner Billy and his grandsons Quintin and Liam. His daughter Courtney Tronca, her husband Derek and his granddaughter Adaline. He is also survived by his siblings Judy Gray, Roberta Delorie and George Telles as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham.
A funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Wareham.
Donations in Arthur’s memory may be made to the hospice agency that cared for him, Southcoast Health at Home. https://www.southcoast.org/giving/tribute-giving/.
