MIDDLEBORO — Arthur Battistini has resigned from the Select Board effective June 25 because of a career move that will take him to Martha’s Vineyard. 

Describing the decision as “bittersweet,’’ Battistini said in his official resignation letter that residency requirements and time constraints leave him “unable to adequately fulfill my duties as a Select Board member.’

He will serve as general manager of Black Dog Cafe in Vineyard Haven.

Battistini was elected to the board four years ago and is serving in his second term. He said he has tried “to bring a voice of reason’’ and to serve as a “calming’’ influence.

The future of the position will be discussed at an upcoming Select Board meeting, Select Board Chair Mark Germain.

The board has two options, he said. A special election could be scheduled to fill the seat or the board could continue with four members until next spring’s annual town election.

Battistini is a Middleboro High School graduate who worked as a teacher at his alma mater for several years before opening Battistini’s Bakery. He sold the business in the fall, he said.

As an educator and business owner, he said he worked to “bring those perspectives onto the board.’’

 Living on Martha’s Vineyard will not be unfamiliar.  He was born and raised in Middleboro but spent time on the Vineyard where his mother lives, he said.

“Martha’s Vineyard and Middleboro will always be my home,’’ he said. 

In his resignation letter, he thanked board members and town managers, past and present, the board’s executive assistant, department heads, town employees, resident volunteers on boards and committees and the voters.

“I know the good work will continue,’’ he said. 

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Arthur for his years of service to the Town of Middleboro and wish him the best in his future endeavors,’’ Germain said.