NORFOLK – Arthur Harvey Rosenfeld, born in The Bronx, N.Y., on June 11, 1936, to Murray and Sophia Rosenfeld, left a profound legacy of intellectual curiosity, professional achievement, and compassionate leadership. He passed away on May 27, surrounded by his family, leaving behind a tapestry of memories cherished by family, friends, and colleagues.
Arthur’s journey through life was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to service. Graduating from the Bronx High School of Science in 1953, he went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1957, followed by an MBA from Wharton in 1960. Throughout his life, Arthur remained a voracious reader and an enthusiastic learner, a trait that shaped his diverse career and myriad interests.
His dedication to education extended beyond personal enrichment. Arthur served as an advisor for Junior Achievement, imparted business wisdom at Maury High School, and held the esteemed position of the first president of the Jewish Community Center lecture series in the 1970s. Even after retirement, he continued to expand his horizons, auditing classes at Old Dominion University and engaging in years of intellectual discourse with Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel, as well as his numerous published letters to the editor in the Virginian-Pilot.
Arthur was more than just a participant; he was a driving force in numerous industry trade groups and civic organizations. From helming the National Association of Maritime Suppliers to his presidency at the Hampton Roads Foreign Commerce Club, his leadership left an indelible mark. Within government circles, he was appointed a member of the National Defense Executive Reserve by the Secretary of Commerce in 1979 before joining the White House Conference on Small Business in 1980; he served an advisory role with the Small Business Administration from 1980 to 1984. He was also very proud of being an honorary member of the Beth El sisterhood as the chief bagel slicer and heavy-pot-of-water mover.
Arthur’s professional journey was as multifaceted as his interests. From his tenure as president of Peltz Brothers from 1970 to 1985, where he opened new markets beyond ship chandlery and into industrial distribution, to his role as vice president of Intermaritime Bank in Geneva, Switzerland, Arthur left an indelible mark on the maritime industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a marketing consulting company and, eventually, join Amplexus Corporation, where he endeavored to empower businesses with innovative software solutions.
Beyond the boardroom, Arthur embraced life with a sense of adventure and camaraderie. He reveled in the company of dear friends from around the globe, exploring far-flung destinations like Bali to the outer Greek Isles and savoring adventurous culinary delights wherever he went. An avid skier and swimmer in his younger years, he was proud to be one of the oldest pickleball players as late as March. Arthur’s zest for life knew no bounds. His generosity extended to unexpected encounters, such as the swimming lessons he once imparted to a young Liza Minelli, a chance meeting on his way home from witnessing the test firing of the Atlas rocket, which he worked on during a summer job in college.
Arthur’s greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He shared over 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Helene, and leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his daughters Rachel (Alesa) and Alizah, son Edward (Kimery), three grandchildren, Willo Wolfe, Jessica Wolfe, and August Rosenfeld, a sister Sue Rosenfeld Bender, as well as brothers-in-law Alan (Harriet) and Jack (Emily) Peltz, and sister-in-law Carole Peltz (Tom) Koetzle, nephews Michael and David Bender, Harry and Josh Peltz, and John Koetzle, as well as nieces Karen Young Levi, Sharon Peltz, and Laura Koetzle.
In honoring Arthur Harvey Rosenfeld’s memory, let us celebrate his remarkable journey—a life richly lived, a legacy enduring in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit of inquiry, compassion, and adventure inspired us to embrace each day with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering integrity. May his memory forever be a blessing.
A funeral service was held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. Interment followed at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula in Hampton, Va.