Arthur Joseph Falk

Art was born in New York City on September 22, 1944. He grew up in New York and New Jersey and graduated from Don Bosco Preparatory High School in 1962. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University in 1966 and received a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the Graduate College at the University of Illinois Medical Center in 1972. In the early 1990s he also completed his Executive MBA at Rutgers University.

After a chance meeting at a CYO dance in northern New Jersey in 1963, Art and Donna began a lifelong adventure together. They were married on September 3, 1966, and shared nearly sixty years of love and partnership. Together they raised two children and welcomed four cherished grandchildren. Art's career in the pharmaceutical industry took the family from Chicago to Norwich, New York, and later to Flemington, New Jersey. In retirement, Art and Donna divided their time between Naples, Maine, and St. James, North Carolina.

Art enjoyed a distinguished career in pharmaceutical quality and regulatory affairs, including leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, Warner-Lambert, and Elan Pharmaceuticals. Yet his interests and passions extended far beyond his professional achievements.

He was an avid skier and dedicated volunteer ski patroller at Labrador Mountain and Hidden Valley Mountain for many years. He shared his passion for skiing with his children and grandchildren, and one of the family's most treasured traditions was an annual ski week in Utah each December.

Art fulfilled a lifelong dream when he earned his pilot's license in 1990. Flying quickly became one of his greatest joys, and he remained active in the cockpit until earlier this year. Over the years, he became involved in several aviation organizations and was especially proud to join the United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs) in 2024, an international organization recognizing pilots who continue to fly as pilot in command after age 80. Among his favorite adventures was a journey flying his plane from Maine to Alaska and back with a friend.

An enthusiastic traveler, Art explored the world through both work and leisure, ultimately setting foot on all seven continents. He especially treasured traveling with Donna, his children, and his grandchildren, creating many wonderful memories.

In recent years, Art rekindled a passion from his youth when he returned to amateur radio. Through a local radio club in North Carolina, he enjoyed participating in community events and building friendships.

For many who knew him, however, Art's unwavering devotion to Rutgers University athletics may be among his most enduring legacies. A proud Rutgers alumnus, he attended football games with family and friends throughout his life and was a longtime season ticket holder. Whether cheering from the stands at home or traveling to away games, his enthusiasm never faded.

Above all, Art will be remembered for his love of life, wide variety of interests and hobbies, and gift for conversation. He never met a stranger and delighted in sharing stories with friends, family, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Those who knew him can still hear his spirited Rutgers cheer: "RU Rah Rah!"

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his daughter, Megan and husband Jim Pickette of Belmont, Massachusetts; and his son, Ian and wife Lucy Falk of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was a devoted grandfather to Gracey Falk, Thomson Falk, Elly Pickette and Owen Pickette. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pat Gracey, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former colleagues.

Art was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Marie Falk; his sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Carl Rizzo; and his brother-in-law, Dan Gracey.

A celebration of Art's life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Camp Sunshine at www.campsunshine.org/tributes-memorials or South Wings at www.southwings.org/donate in Art's memory. He volunteered with both of these organizations in recent years.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.