Robert W. Arthur, 86, a Rutland native, died July 1, 2008, at his home in Sarasota, Fla.

He was born April 5, 1922, the son of Warren and Agnes (Mullin) Arthur.

He received his education at Mount St. Joseph Academy, graduating in 1939.

Mr. Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines and became a staff sergeant serving from 1942-46 in the South Pacific.

He attended college at Norwich University and the University of Vermont, later receiving his master's degree in English from Harvard University.

He married Dolores Boyce in Metuchen, N.J., on June 23, 1956.

Mr. Arthur taught high school English and drama for several years in Franklin, N.H., and Plainfield and Franklin, N.J. He also served as chairman of the high school English department as well as vice principal and assistant superintendent in Franklin (N.J.) Township schools, retiring in 1981.

He was an avid genealogist and in 1986, he chronicled the family history by self-publishing "Four Centuries of Arthurs." He also enjoyed fishing, reading and traveling.

Survivors include his wife of Sarasota, Fla.; a son, Robert Arthur Jr. of Free Union, Va., and a daughter, Victoria Arthur of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren; and a brother, John Arthur of Jacksonville, Fla.