Arthur E. Dawley, husband of Stella Leighton (Perry) Dawley of Prodell Road in Preston, Conn. passed away Wednesday night at his home with his wife and loving family at his side. He was 90 years old.

Art was born in Norwich, Conn. on August 20, 1921, son of the late Clifton and Margery (Willis) Dawley, and was a lifelong Preston resident.

He graduated from N.F.A. class of 1939 and received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Michigan State University in 1943. He operated the Dawley Potato Farm for many years with his dad, and was later employed by Agway as a store manager in the Plainfield, Westerly and Norwich stores before his retirement.

The church was a very important part of Art’s life, having given much of his time to the many aspects of church life. He served as deacon, choir member, trustee, moderator, “on call” maintenance man, and weekly greeter to everyone, especially the Sunday School children. He was a member of the Preston Community Chorus, and a member of the Barbershoppers for many years.

Art was united in marriage first to Agnes Stone, who died in February 1979. On June 14, 1980, he married Stella (Leighton) Perry in Norwich, Conn.

Stella grew up on Martha’s Vineyard. The couple owns a summer home here.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons: Robert Dawley of Uncasville, Conn.; Kenneth Dawley of Chicopee, Mass.; William Dawley of Florida, and Edward Perry of Griswold, Conn.; and two daughters: Joyce Weber of Preston, Conn. and Debra Roberts of Portland, Ore.; a brother, Morgan Dawley of Florida.; a sister, Jean Spruance of Drescher, Penn.; ten grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation hours will be held Sunday, May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell avenue, Norwich, Conn.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 14 at 11 a.m. at Preston City Congregational Church, 321 Route 164, Preston, Conn., followed by interment in Preston City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church.