Arnold Joel Rothstein's Obituary
Arnold Joel Rothstein, 88, passed away on January 30, 2017, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Born in 1928 in New York, New York, to the late Michael and Beatrice Rothstein, Arnold grew
up in Astoria, Queens, graduating from Stuyvesant High School, SUNY Maritime College, and
MIT. He was predeceased by his older brother, Victor. Arnold was a resident of North Palm
Beach and Palm Beach Gardens for 39 years.
Arnold is survived by his wife, Naomi, and their five children and their spouses: Sheri and
Matthew Brown of Sterling, Virginia; Marcus and Cindy Rothstein of Stuart, Florida; Lynn and
James Kupferschmid of Dallas, Texas; Emily and Allan Bassell of Southington, Connecticut; and
Elliot and Christine Rothstein of Greenwich, Connecticut; nine grandchildren: Ethan Brown,
Rachel Case, and Michaela Brown; Adam and Ben Rothstein; Hannah and Gretchen
Kupferschmid; Alexandra and Sascha Rothstein; seven granddogs; and one great-grandchild:
Elia Devorah Case.
Funeral services will be at Levitt Weinstein at Beth David Cemetery in Hollywood, Florida, on
Wednesday, February 1 at 2:00. Shiva will be observed at the Rothstein's home on Wednesday, February 1 through Sunday, February 5; from 5:00 until 8:00 excluding the Sabbath
Minyan is at 7:00 on those dates.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Judea (http://
templejudeapbc.org/Terminal), the American Heart Association (https://donatenow.heart.org),
or Trustbridge Hospice (http://www.floridahospices.org/support-hospice/make-a-donation/).
Arnold was the consummate engineer with over 60 years of accomplishments in technology,
business, and academia in the fields of energy, ocean, and space systems. He was a local
entrepreneur, serving as President of The Facilities Services Company for 15 years before his
retirement in 2000. Throughout his career, he developed, marketed, and constructed innovative
technical products and services, worked as a faculty member or adjunct at five universities, and
even worked as an operating shipboard engineer in the early days. He was a volunteer member
of the Business Advisory Council to the Palm Beach County School District’s Science and Career
Education programs; a member, Chairperson, VP, and Life Fellow of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers; a Certified Energy Manager; and held Building Contractor and Marine
Engineer licenses. He was also the author of many technical papers, articles, reports, and two
books.
By example, Arnold instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Dedicated
and loyal in his work, he was first and foremost a loving husband and father. He always had
time for his kids. He encouraged their inquisitiveness and was always available to talk, answer
questions, and give advice. He fostered in them a love of learning, and he loved to be helpful,
always looking for ways to make the lives of his loved ones better. Above all, he loved spending
time with his family.
In his free time, Arnold loved sailing and being out on the water. He was a tennis player and a
race walker, competing in two marathons. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapel 7500 No. State Road 7 Coconut Creek, FL. 954-427-6500
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