Arnold Marvin Hantman

The eldest son of Louis and Eve (Kurtzman) Hantman, Arnold was born on March 1, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. Known for his adventurous spirit, Arnold’s early exploits, often in partnership with his cousin Alan, included a notorious (alleged) incident involving setting fire to the family bathroom. He graduated from Freehold High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football, before attending Temple University and trying out for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Later, Arnold enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably.

After his discharge from the Army, Arnold joined his parents in their furniture manufacturing business in Miami, Florida. It was there he met Sheila Feiler, and in November 1966, they were married. As a newlywed, Arnold’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish General Refrigerator in Miami in 1970. Over the next 30 years, he built a successful business that enabled him to provide for and cherish what mattered most to him—his family.

A dedicated husband and father, Arnold’s greatest passion was his family. He was the epitome of a family man, always making time for those he loved. Whether he was ensuring he was home every night for dinner, teaching his nephews how to play poker, taking family vacations in an RV to Maine, or whitewater rafting in Colorado, Arnold’s world revolved around creating lasting memories. He delighted in watching MASH* with his daughters, sharing his love for West Side Story, Young Frankenstein, baseball and Big Band music, and later, becoming a proud and doting grandfather to his grandsons, Raven and Cooper Louis.

Second only to his love for his family was Arnold’s passion for golf. An accomplished scratch golfer, he played on courses around the world. For over 30 years, he rarely missed a tee time with his dedicated foursome, but his favorite golf partner was always his brother, Jerry. Together, they shared many adventures on the course.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Janice Eileen, and his beloved brother, Dr. Jerome Hantman. He is survived by his devoted wife Sheila, his daughters Leslie Hantman Smith and Lisa Hantman Brooks (Tsachee), his grandsons Raven and Cooper Louis, his sister Carol Hantman Leaman (Salem), his nieces Rachel Leaman and Deborah Hantman, his nephews David Hantman, Joshua Hantman, Aaron Leaman, and Mark Feiler, his cousin Allan Hantman, and many other loving family members.

Up until recently, Arnold completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every day—in pen. His legacy will live on in his sharp wit, his recipe for pistachio-crusted lamb chops, and his unwavering generosity and love for his family.

Though we have lost our most beloved father, grandfather, and husband, the world has lost a great man. Memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice, or you can honor Arnold’s memory by heading to your local driving range and hitting a bucket of balls in his name.

Shiva will be held at the home of Arnold and Sheila Hantman, beginning on Thursday, August 22 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Family and friends are welcome to attend to share their memories and support.