Arnold Mayer

Arnold Mayer, 91, of Washington, DC, died on August 27, 2021. He is survived by Vera, his wife of 62 years, daughters Anna Sarah Mayer Sullivan (Robb) and Emily Mayer Widenhofer (Mike) and grandchildren Theodora Russell, TJ Widenhofer, Joseph Russell, and Jackson Widenhofer,

Son of Frederick and Anna (Meyer) Mayer, he was born in Germany and spent his early childhood years in Ober-Olm. He emigrated with his parents to the US in 1938 to escape the Nazis. He grew up in Bridgeport CT and attended Yale University on scholarship. For over 30 years, he worked as a lobbyist, first for the Meat Cutters union, and then, when it merged with the Retail Clerks union in 1979, for the UFCW, serving as one of their Vice Presidents until his retirement in 1989. Known as one of the most effective labor lobbyists in DC, he was instrumental in passing Meat & Poultry Inspection and Food Stamps legislation, as well as other laws advancing the rights of workers, consumers, and the poor. He was loved deeply by family, friends, and colleagues, and he and Vera enjoyed hosting dinner parties at their home that included both the powerful and powerless, with whom Arnold was equally comfortable.

A private Jewish funeral was held on August 30th. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), the Capital Area Food Bank, or the Jewish Labor Committee. A memorial tribute to Arnold will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 4-7 PM, in Washington. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected].