Arthur George Pye of Oak Bluffs died on Thursday, Dec. 8. He was 56.

Arthur was born on June 15, 1955, in New Bedford to the late Theresa Williams Pye of Fairhaven and the late Joseph Pye of New Bedford. He grew up in New Bedford surrounded by the love and excitement of his two sisters, Carol and Ellie, and his brother, William. During his childhood years he enjoyed being in the explorer troop in the Boy Scouts of Saint Anne’s Church of New Bedford. He played baseball at the South End Youth Association of New Bedford. He enjoyed camping and being outdoors, which was a passion that continued throughout his life.

Arthur found his true home on Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1970s, where he resided ever since. It was here on the Island that he found his lifelong friends and met and married Jennifer Shunk. He initially worked for Goodale Construction Company and later was a longtime employee of the Steamship Authority.

Arthur could always be found cooking up feasts for his friends and family, making sure to include the staples such as his renowned meatballs and fried turkey. He enjoyed pastimes such as hunting and fishing. Another of Arthur’s favorite activities was enjoying the Island scenery and beauty while on his Harley. Every year Arthur and his friends would gather to make their way on motorcycles to New Hampshire to participate in bike week. Another favorite time of the year for Arthur was Run to the Rock, when Arthur would open his home to loved ones as well as new friends. He took pride in his membership in the Coastal Motorcycle Association, Portuguese-American Club and the VFW. However, his greatest pride and joy came from his two daughters, Erin and Meryl. Arthur reveled in helping complete class projects, attending plays, field hockey and hockey games, dance recitals and numerous skating shows. Arthur’s greatest pleasure in life was being a father. He forever loved being surrounded by his daughters and their friends who in return basked in his larger-than-life heart and outgoing spirit. His daughters’ friends often referred him to as a second dad. Whether it be lending a hand, a hot plate of his delicious food, or his classic words of wisdom, Arthur was always there and his door was always open. “We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time.”

He is survived by his two daughters, Erin and Meryl Pye of Oak Bluffs; his sister, Carol Perry and her husband Joseph of Dartmouth; his brother, William Pye of New Bedford; his nieces, Crystal, Stephanie, Megan and Allison and his nephews, Scott, Joshua, Matthew and Avery and his many friends.

Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 16, at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. Services will be followed by a potluck reception at the Portuguese-American Club in celebration of Arthur’s life.

Donations can be made to the Memorial Tribute Fund of the Cape Cod & Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America at 247 Willow street, Yarmouthport, MA 02675.