Hundreds of community members in Massachusetts showed up for a funeral service in honor of a World War II veteran who passed away with no known family.
John Bernard Arnold III, a 98-year-old World War II Navy veteran, died on May 6, in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. With no known family members available to attend his services, local veterans organizations and community leaders issued a public call for attendees, pallbearers, and procession participants to ensure he received a respectful send-off, according to a report from local outlet WCVB.
Veterans service officers from Hanson and Hanover, including Terrence O’Keeffe, coordinated the effort. Announcements emphasized the need for public support, with invitations extended through social media, local news outlets, and community channels.
Individuals interested in serving as pallbearers were directed to contact O’Keeffe via email. The call highlighted Arnold’s military service and encouraged members of the public, including civilians and fellow veterans, to participate in visitation, the funeral Mass, and the burial procession.
WOW! HUNDREDS of Americans just showed up to World War II Veteran John Bernard Arnold III's funeral after he had no known family at the time of passing away
That's real America!
He passed at 98, and after learning of his family situation, Hanover/Hanson Veteran Services… pic.twitter.com/8aHNXOnQi1
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 18, 2026
Arnold, a Rhode Island native, graduated from Rogers High School in Newport and attended Rhode Island State University (now the University of Rhode Island) for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. According to information shared with Veterans Affairs caregivers, he served aboard the USS Houston and visited 27 countries during his time in the service.
He recalled places such as Naples, Florence, Venice, Sardinia, and Capri among his experiences.
His obituary noted family connections to the late John B. and Hannah (McCarthy) Arnold as parents, and to late siblings Mary M.D. Joines and Kathleen Principato. Arnold had lived in East Bridgewater most recently, with prior residences in Pembroke, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Those familiar with him described him as independent and noted that he had planned aspects of his own funeral arrangements years earlier.
Funeral services took place on Monday, May 18, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Hanson. Visitation hours ran from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A procession then traveled to Cedar Knoll Cemetery in Taunton for burial.
Footage from the scene indicates a large turnout. The line for the Mass extended down the sidewalk outside the church, reflecting broad community participation from veterans, local residents, and others who had not known Arnold personally.
One veteran present, Thomas Aniolowski, commented on the significant civilian turnout. “It’s amazing, I’m surprised so many civilians have really taken the time to come here, it’s great,” he told local outlet WJAR.
“This is beautiful. He would’ve loved this,” said employee of Garrison Home for Veterans Hailey Munroe, who knew Arnold.
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