Arthur (Art) Gerstenfeld of Newton, MA died peacefully on January 19, 2022 at the age of 94. He was born on February 2, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY to Phyllis and Jesse (Jack) Gerstenfeld. Art and his older sister, Lucille, were incredibly close throughout their lives, spending formative summers together at Camp Berkshire. Art also started a band with friends—the first glimmer of his entrepreneurial spirit. At age 17, Art enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during WWII and played in the Navy band. Following his service, he studied Industrial Engineering at Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and later earned his PhD in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In his early career, Art was a project manager at NASA at Cape Canaveral. Later, he taught management at Boston University for 10 years before launching a 38-year career at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he started the first Department of Management in the School of Business. Much of Art’s career at WPI centered around global innovation. Art was active in global programs at WPI and mentored students in projects that addressed real problems in collaboration with government agencies and private companies. Art also co-founded the innovative Wall Street Project Center in NYC as well as a joint certificate program with Clark University in advanced management training. Art made a lasting impression on his students, many of whom stayed in close touch with him long past his retirement at age 88. In addition to his career in academia, Art was an entrepreneur. He founded UFA, Inc., a Burlington, MA-based company that designs and manufactures air traffic control training systems. He took a leave from WPI to run UFA, and then returned to teaching.
While Art derived enormous satisfaction from his work, he had a boundless love for family and friends. His wife, Susan Vernon-Gerstenfeld, was the love of his life. Together, they raised six children and their beloved dog, Brandon, providing a model for a loving, fulfilling relationship and instilling the importance of family. In addition to spending cherished summers on Lake Dunmore in Vermont, they traveled the world for pleasure and also as fellow professors and mentors in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and in US cities. Those who knew Art as a father, brother, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or friend appreciated his enthusiasm, sense of humor, sincerity, and wisdom. Whether skiing, golfing, kayaking, or playing tennis with his wife, children and grandchildren, spearheading the family Thanksgiving football games, or enjoying his fireside with loved ones, Art was always fully engaged and present.
Art also enjoyed his Temple Beth Elohim community, where he established the Music Club and sometimes taught a music appreciation class. For a number of years, he volunteered at a local memory unit, co-leading a monthly music appreciation event for residents. In addition, he maintained lasting relationships with ESL students he had mentored.
Art is survived by his wife, Susan Vernon Gerstenfeld; his children, Steven, Tedd, and Peter Gerstenfeld, Karin Leinwand and Kim Leinwand Erle; his sons-in-law, Scott Tarbox and Steven Erle; his daughters-in-law, Bonnie Forman Gerstenfeld, Jill Gerstenfeld, and Francesca Anya Gerstenfeld; and his grandchildren, Eliza, Eric and Oliver Erle, Jessie and Andrew Tarbox, Jessica and Jamie Weiner, Jack Gerstenfeld, and Talia Gerstenfeld. He was preceded in death by his son, Marc Gerstenfeld and his sister, Lucille Gerstenfeld Gemson. He also leaves behind his loving nieces, Carol Rogow and Meg Ashman, and their families, as well as the students he mentored, and many dear friends. All who knew Art will miss him deeply.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Art’s memory may be made to: Temple Beth Elohim (Music Education Fund or Adult Education Fund): https://tbewellesley.org/support-tbe/#Tzedakah or the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org.
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