Arnold Bernard Clickstein

Arnold Bernard Clickstein, age 90, of Lexington, Massachusetts, passed away on October 10, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1936, Arnold was the son of the late Blanche and Harry Clickstein. He attended Lynn Public Schools through the tenth grade, before continuing his education at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, where he graduated. Arnold earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with minors in Humanities and Biology, from the University of Minnesota. He then went on to receive his Master of Arts in English Literature from Northeastern University and pursued additional postgraduate studies at Boston University.

Arnold dedicated his professional life to education and academic leadership. He began his teaching career at a small private school in Connecticut before joining the faculty of Lesley College, now Lesley University. He subsequently served as Academic Dean and later Headmaster of Charles River Academy, where he devoted more than 20 years to educational leadership. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Cambridge College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In additional to his work in education, Arnold held several distinguished leadership positions in nonprofit and cultural organizations. He served for two years as Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Historical Society during its time on the Brandeis University campus. Additionally, he spent nine years as a regional director for American Youth Hostels, the American operation of the International Hostel Federation.

Arnold authored Cardinal Principles of Governance: Strengthening the Governance of Nonprofit Organizations in America's Communities, reflecting his extensive experience and commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. He also authored Full Sun, Full Moon, a collection of short stories loosely based on his life experiences.

Arnold was predeceased by his beloved wife, Susan Lynn Clickstein.

He is survived by his loving children, Rob Clickstein and his wife, Karen; Hannah Cumpston and her husband, Adrian; Michael Clickstein and his wife, Lara Sansoucy; Rachel Marcella and her husband, Jimmy; and Noah Clickstein. Adored grandfather of Jacob Clickstein, Canyon Sansoucy, Lily Sansoucy, Joey Marcella, Zach Marcella, and Thessaly Marcella.

A funeral service for Arnold will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 1 PM at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Street. Lexington, MA 02421. Interment will take place immediately after the funeral at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford Street Lexington, MA.

If you would like to attend the services virtually, a livestream of the funeral can be found at: https://templeisaiahlexington.livecontrol.tv/20d3dfe6

Shiva will take place at the family home on Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30pm to 8PM and on Friday from 3PM to 6:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold's name can be made to Doctors Without Borders https://give.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/675296/donate