Arthur Falkin, Springfield's First Jewish Mayor, Dies

Arthur Milton Falkin died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 following a brief illness. Born in the Bronx, N.Y., he lived in Springfield since 1956. One month ago, he moved to Whippany, N.J, according to Ross Chapels. 

Falkin attended New York University, served in WWII as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, and was the owner of Falkin Associates of Cranford, N.J. for over 30 years, retiring a decade ago. Falkin was the first Jewish Mayor of Springfield, serving in 1963 and again in 1966. 

Falkin served as past president and permanent trustee of Temple Beth Ahm of Springfield, where he had served on numerous committees throughout the years, and was a member of the Synagogue’s Men’s Club, and the B’nai B’rith Springfield Unit.  

Rabbi Mark Mallach of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael remembered Falkin for his dedication and generosity. Mallach said Falkin and his wife were part of the group that founded the Temple more than 50 years ago. From fundraising to painting the walls, Falkin contributed in every possible way he could, Mallach said. 

In his role as the first Jewish mayor of Springfield, Falkin also became the first Jewish person to play golf at Baltusrol. The club, which was exclusive at the time, Mallach recalled, held an annual Mayor's Day, and that is how Falkin came to be "the first Jew to play the course."

"He was not just a close friend," Mallach said, "but a personal advisor and mentor to me whenever I needed advice on the congregation. He was always generous."

Married to the love of his life, the late Claire, for almost 70 years, Falkin is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law; Gary and Arlene Falkin of Florham Park, N.J.,  Stuart and Sharon Falkin of West Orange, N.J., and Richard and Judith Falkin of Springfield, N.J. as well as a brother, Robert Falkin, seven grandchildren, Marc Falkin, Joshua Falkin, Rachel Platt, Carah Tenzer, Jessica Falkin, Jaime Schultz, Corey Falkin and 10 great-grandchildren, Sarah Falkin, Max Falkin, Leo Falkin, Ryan Falkin, Jonas Tenzer, Gregory Tenzer, Shelby Tenzer, Jacob Schultz, Ari Platt, and Dylan Platt.

Mallach said Falkin was a man who imbued his future generations with a keen sense of family and community, instilling in them a desire to give back.

The family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Claire and Arthur Falkin Scholar-In-Residence Fund at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield.