Arthur "Abba" Appelstein

Arthur "Abba" Appelstein, age 90, of Newton and formerly of Sharon, passed peacefully on March 2, 2022. Abba, is the Hebrew word for father, and Arthur Appelstein, was given this name by his parents Flora Long and Izzy Appelstein. He lived up to the name’s promise every day. One of the kindest people you would ever meet, unless restaurant bread and main courses were not served on-time and properly heated, his love was unconditionally extended and his celebration of life contagious. His famous family quote, “It doesn’t get any better than this!” was cause for raucous applause anytime it was uttered, although it was hardly ever properly said when pleadingly requested during various gatherings. Arthur, an avid reader of as many morning papers as possible and a master at solitaire, was admired by his family, serving as the last patriarch and sibling of his generation, youngest among brothers Sam, Eddie and Leo and sisters Betty and Terry. He would light up the darkest of rooms with his magnetic smile and warm personality. It is not a surprise that he enjoyed tremendous love from his many nieces and nephews and a beautiful array of enduring friendships.

Arthur, a veteran of the Korean War and an active member of the Jewish War Veterans, spent most of his working life as a well-regarded owner of an interior and exterior painting business. He was generous to a fault, and contributed to a wide range of philanthropic initiatives as well as providing educational funds for all his grandchildren. Arthur coordinated town-wide fund drives for Cystic Fibrosis and other diseases, coached baseball, never missed his children’s and grandchildren’s events and somehow found the time to become a Mason.

He had two major relationships in his life. He was married to Bette (Goldwasser) Appelstein, and together raised three children, Gerald, Matthew, with his wife Judi, and Donna and her fiancé Jimmy Young. Abba was the adored and cherished grandfather of Jessica & Jose, Jason, Janna, Jamie & Phil, Melissa & Eric, Hannah, Jordan and 5 great-grandchildren, Jayden, David, Daniel, Ella and Avery, with another on the way. Bette preceded Arthur to heaven in 1985.

Arthur later met Lorraine Becker, and they have been happily together for over 30 years, sharing a home in Newton, and a love of the Berkshires and all the cultural arts. Together, they were instrumental in helping to bring the famous Ventfort Hall in Lenox, MA to its current state as an important historical home and tourist attraction. He leaves her along with her two children Jill and Wendy and his cherished granddaughter Rebecca.

A funeral service will be held at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard Street, Brookline on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 10:30am, masks are required for all in attendance. Click the following link to watch the live stream of the service https://tinyurl.com/Abba-Appelstein

Burial to follow at Boylston Lodge Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury. Memorial observance will be at Matthew and Judi’s home on Sunday from 3-5:00pm and 7-8:30pm and on Monday from 2-5:00pm and 7:00-8:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or a charity of your choice.