CUSHING — Arthur Herbert Ifemey, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at the age of 80.

Art Ifemey became the co-owner of the popular Ifemey’s Diner, sharing the role with his mother, Beverly, after the passing of his father, Tink. He held the role as head chef there until the property was sold. He was well known in the community, providing first job opportunities for many young people in town. Oftentimes, people in need would come to the restaurant and were fed without hesitation. Art was a good man.

Art was a hard worker, a quality instilled in him from his parents. As a young man, he woke before dawn and trapped animals to sell their fur. He would weed the large garden with his sisters for the vegetables provided for the family diner.

He graduated from SMTC with a degree in culinary arts and married his high school sweetheart, Janice Demass, now deceased. Their happy marriage lasted 56 years after an additional 4 year courtship, and had one son, Richard Ifemey. You would hardly see them apart from each other and often they were holding hands. They had a strong love and respect for each other.

Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the army as a chef, serving his brothers in arms at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Art returned to Thomaston and began his 20 + year career at Maine State Prison as a cook.

Throughout his life, he and Janice were active in their community, becoming involved with many different organizations, for extended periods of time. He was a long time member in good standing with The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of St. George #132; active member of the Thomaston American Legion, managing all the bean dinners for that organization for many years; life time member of the Thomaston Baptist Church; volunteered at the Thomaston Food Pantry, at least 2 days a week for 20+ years.

Art was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved being in the woods. You could often see him on St. George River smelting. He was a die-hard Celtics and Red Sox fan, yelling at the tv when the umps got the call wrong, which was the opposite of the gentle man we all knew so well.

He loved his family dearly and assisted each with his carpentry skills when needed. If you ever needed help, Art was eager and willing to be there to lend a hand.

He will be missed by his entire family but most notably, his surviving sisters, Doris Ifemey  Rackliff of Warren, Jane Ifemey Pease of Gray; son, Richard Ifemey of Thomaston; grandchildren Carissa  Ifemey Pauldng, Jasmine Ifemey, and Ben Ifemey.

There will be a graveside service at Thomaston Village Cemetery, Erin Street on June 4, at 11 a.m., for any who would wish to attend. At Art’s request, there will not be a gathering after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Thomaston Baptist Church, 212 Main Street, or The Thomaston Food Pantry, 9 Elm Street, Thomaston, ME 04861

Hall Funeral and Cremation Services has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences to Art’s family visit his Book of Memories at hallfuneralhomes.com.