Arthur Stein, 91

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The family of Arthur Stein is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.

Born on November 7, 1925, the only child of Abe and Goldie Stein, Arthur was raised in Philadelphia. As a child, Arthur enjoyed Hebrew school, the Boy Scouts, stamp collecting, roller skating, and watching the Lone Ranger.

Arthur served in the U.S. Army and later graduated from Boston College Law School. He met the love of his life, Sylvia Stein, and the two married in 1950 and settled in Pittsfield, Mass. They lived a full and beautiful life together and raised three daughters: Maxine, Mindy and Joyce. Arthur worked as an attorney in Pittsfield until he retired in 2010 at age 85. He worked for some time as a public defender and provided pro-bono services to those in need.

Active in the Jewish community of Pittsfield, Arthur served as president of Knesset Israel and every week filled a seat in the front row of their sanctuary. Public service was very important to Arthur, and he served as president of the Berkshire Community College Foundation and volunteered teaching literacy to immigrant adults and for Reading for the Blind, among other organizations. He was a proud Democrat, and he had a deep appreciation for diverse cultural experiences. He frequented Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, and Berkshires museums, and he traveled the world with Sylvia. Together they traveled the globe and made many trips to Israel.

Arthur was happiest when his children and grandchildren visited he and Sylvia at their beloved home, Holmesdale. He was an early adopter of the videocamera and captured precious family moments. He and Sylvia entertained guests frequently and played tennis daily (weather permitting). He enjoyed swimming, taking walks with his wife, Turner Classic Movies, and crossword puzzles.

Arthur will be remembered for his sharp mind, his strong values and principles, and his commitment to service.

His last two years he lived at Lathrop Retirement Community in Easthampton, Mass., where he was often referred to as "one of the good ones." He leaves a loving community of great people.

Arthur leaves his daughters, Maxine (Henry Simkin), Mindy (Howard Brummer), Joyce (Michael Turow); his nine grandchildren, Avi, (Heather) Gabrielle, (Seth) Sarah (Trey), Benjamin (Adriana), Paula, (Peter) Noah (Sara), Rebecca (Mathieu), Sam, and Jenna; brothers-in-law Leon Siegel, Robert Siegel (Norma), Samuel Karlin; sister-in-law Carole Siegel; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. 

The family extends their gratitude to Sarah Shumway and Hospice of the Fisher Home for enriching Arthur's life to the end.

Funeral notice: His funeral will be held at Knesset Israel Synagogue in Pittsfield at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2016. Shiva will be held in Northampton, Mass., at the home of Maxine Stein and Henry Simkin on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., Friday afternoon 1-3 p.m., Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Donations in his memory can be made to Knesset Israel in Pittsfield, Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, and the Jewish National Fund in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Home for Funerals, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.