Arthur Jacobson

Portland – Arthur Jacobson, 79, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018 after a long illness at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Portland on April 10, 1939 to Samuel and Freida Jacobson and was the youngest of seven children. He grew up on North Street on Munjoy Hill. In later years, his family moved to Exeter Street where he attended local schools. He was a graduate of Deering High School in 1957 and then joined the Army and was stationed in Germany.

After leaving the armed services, he returned to Portland and joined his dad in the automobile parts business before starting his own home improvements business, STE-MAR, Inc providing siding, roofing and replacement window services in southern Maine until the present. While he often talked about retiring, he never could because he would say “they just keep calling me.” His customers were loyal to him because of his character and honesty as well as the work he and his crews did.

Arthur was a member of the Temple Beth El, Temple Beth El Brotherhood, Jewish Community Center, Southern Maine Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Alliance and supported many other organizations and charities. His sons, Stephen and Marc were very athletic, so the joy of his life was being involved in whatever sport they played. He never missed a game. He was not an athlete pursuing his dreams through his kids but was making sure that his and other kids had an opportunity to play sports if they chose to.

For 35 years Arthur volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Recipients looked forward to him delivering their meals and more importantly, he looked forward to making the delivery and to providing whatever other assistance they might need that day. Arthur was one of 10 founding members of Life Line that started at the YMCA and continues today at USM. Until his failing health, he still went to the 6 AM class at USM 5 or 6 mornings a week. Oh! How he loved his gym friends. Fran and Arthur wintered in Florida for three months which was something they both looked forward to each year.

He was predeceased by his parents and son, Stephen Brent Jacobson, brothers Robert and Melvin, and sister Lois Barr. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Frances (Shatz) Jacobson and his son Marc Jacobson; brothers Harvey, Ronald and wife Connie, and sister Sarah Jean Leiberman. He is also survived by in laws Benjamin Barr, Cindy and Jim Baker, Maxine Sneider, and loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Arthur always treated other peoples’ children and grandchildren like his own. Arthur was a good friend, relative and neighbor. He was a solid citizen and a valuable part of the community. If Arthur had wanted to run for public office, he would have won hands down simply on his heart, character and personality.

Fran and Marc would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center, Dr. Ryan, nurses and staff at New England Cancer Specialists and Dr. The, nurses and staff at Lynn Cancer Institute in Florida for their amazing care and compassion.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM at Temple Beth EL on Sunday April 29, 2018, 400 Deering Avenue, Portland. Interment will follow at Beth El Memorial Park on Johnson Road in Portland. The family will be sitting Shiva at their home at 41 Jeanne Street in Portland on Sunday from 6 PM to 8 PM and on Monday and Tuesday from 1 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. Online condolences can be given to family at

www.jonesrichandbarns.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

The Snell Foundation

In memory of Arthur Jacobson

New England Cancer Specialists

100 Campus Drive, Suite 108

Scarborough ME, 04074