Arthur, fondly and respectfully known to his family as “Poppy”, was born in 1930 in Bronx, New York, to Herman and Blanche Pearl. As a child, he and his family moved to Miami, Florida where he resided for the majority of his life. Arthur graduated Miami Senior High in 1948 and later received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia in 1952. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi (fraternity), Phi Sigma (honorary biology), Eta Sigma PSI (leadership) and a member of the E club (honorary athletic association). Arthur married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Jacobskind in 1953 during his second year at Emory University School of Medicine.
After Dr. Pearl’s internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, he was enlisted in the United States Navy during Doctor Draft in 1957. He and his wife along, with two young sons, were stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Throughout his life, he regaled many with interesting stories of patients he attended to off base in dangerously remote areas of Cuba. After their daughter was born on the naval base in 1959, Castro had taken over the country so the Pearls were transported back to Miami in a cargo plane for safety. After his service in the Navy, Dr. Pearl completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia. This is where the family welcomed the newest member, son number three.
Dr. Pearl moved his family back to Miami to become one of the finest, most talented and well-respected orthopedic surgeons in Miami-Dade County. He established his private practice and was on staff at the majority of hospitals in Miami. Dr. Pearl took great pride in his work and it was said he performed “miracles” with the children at Variety Children’s Hospital. He also dedicated a great amount of time volunteering. He was responsible for implementing an athletic trainer program for every high school in Miami-Dade County, in which he and other physicians he recruited attended high school football games countywide. Dr. Pearl was proud to offer sports physicals to all Miami-Dade County High School athletes at his office.
Always grateful for his opportunities, and just as honored to give back, Dr. Pearl mentored numerous interns and residents at his office and in hospitals. Later, he was privileged to teach at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the hospital where he completed his own internship. Dr. Pearl found great satisfaction in sharing his immense knowledge and went on to teach at the University of Miami and University of Missouri. It thrilled him when anyone wanted to make rounds with him, including his own children and relatives. Dr. Pearl was the Medical Director for Hospice Treasure Coast and Orthopedic Surgery Physician at Veterans Administration Facility in West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Pearl had a special place in his heart for our veterans working with them well into his seventies. During his illustrious career, Dr. Pearl served on many boards, committees, and organizations. He was a key note speaker at numerous medical conferences around the country. He was also a published author regarding sports injuries, children in sports and women athletes. Dr. Pearl inspired one of his sons and four of his grandchildren to achieve their doctorates as well.
Dr. Pearl was an avid fisherman, boatman, diver and sailor, even learning to read the stars for navigation. He instilled his love of the water to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many family vacations were spent with a month sailing around the Caribbean. Fishing and sailing in regattas were, and still are, a cherished family pastime thanks to his passion for the sea. Dr. Pearl also took an interest in flying and became both an instrument and multi engine rated pilot, certified aircraft mechanic, and an aviation medical examiner. He rebuilt airplanes, including his favorite Boeing Stearman biplane. Whether flying around his neighborhood or across the country, his family and friends relished playing Dr. Pearl’s co-pilot when he would take them flying.
In 1985, Dr. Pearl married his love, Marianne Valenchis. Together they spent time with family and friends, enjoyed traveling, meeting new people, and studying the Torah. Dr. Pearl was proud and devoted to his Jewish heritage. He was honored to observe Jewish values and traditions. He taught his family to take pride in their Jewish culture. Our patriarch was an inspiration and role model to understanding the importance of spiritual being.
Dr. Arthur Jay Pearl is predeceased by his wife, Marianne Valenchis Pearl, his parents, Herman and Blanche Pearl, his son in law, Randy Bateman.
Arthur Jay is survived by his adoring children: Dr. Michael (Becky) Pearl, Marc Pearl, Celia Bateman, Sam (Nancy) Pearl, step-daughter, Marianne Fuentes, his loving grandchildren: Jamie Pearl Esq, Carly (Gabriel) Lugo, Dr. Matt (Dr. Christine Yin) Pearl, Dr. Zachary (Dr. Morgan) Pearl, Harrison Pearl, Cameron Pearl, Dr. Kellie Bateman, Kevin Bateman, Chelsea (Ryan) Troy, Ryan Griffis, and great-grandchildren, Dylan and Silas Pearl, and Hannah Lugo.
A private graveside Funeral will be held at Mount Sinai Memorial Park, Opa Locka, Florida on the morning of Sunday May 17, 2020.
Friends and family are encouraged to attend dedication and unveiling of headstone in approximately one year, with a formal notice to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dr. Arthur Jay Pearl’s memory to: Wounded Warriors, Jewish National Federation Plant a Tree in Israel, or your personal preference.
“I pray that my journey has made the world a little better for my having been here” AJP
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