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Ronnie Arbetter Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronnie Arbetter
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Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2025
Today, I'll be thinking about all the amazing times we shared together.
"Happy birthday up in the clouds."
Love, Victoria Thomas
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2025
Happy Anniversary in Heaven!
I am forever grateful of the memories we made, those memories will always be timeless treasures of my heart!
Rest in peace Ronnie. I love you!
Jill Arbetter
February 24, 2025
Miss you ronnie
Paul Powers
November 8, 2024
Ronnie, we talked just before you passed away. I enjoyed the years playing basketball with you . Friend and foe. My name is Paul Powers. I played at Miami Palmetto High school class of 1973. We became friends that year on and off the court. Playing in many Summer leagues and Summer evenings at Tropical Park. You were a very good friend to me and I miss you every time I think of you. Thanks for being who you were. A very special person!!
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2024
Happy heavenly birthday, Ronnie.
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2024
Ronnie, You left your blueprint in my mind. Your handprint on my heart and your imprint on my soul!
Victoria Thomas
July 8, 2023
Rest in peace my Guardian Angel !
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2023
Happy B-day Ronnie.... Rest easy !
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2023
Tribute to my Guardian Angel!
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN!
Ronnie, even though we are apart
your spirit is always with me forever in my heart.
Jill Arbetter
February 24, 2023
Jill Arbetter
February 24, 2023
Jill Arbetter
February 24, 2023
This is a nice reminder of what a wonderful human being n brother we lost too early n we will always miss u Ronnie love always Jillis maguliicutty n dave n whole family xo rest in peace
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2022
Happy Birthday Ronnie!
Rest In Peace!
Jill
March 3, 2022
Jill
March 3, 2022
Jill
March 3, 2022
Always in our hearts....... Always
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2022
Rest In Peace Ronnie
Victoria Thomas
February 3, 2022
Ronnie, you are the masterpiece in my life; I want to thank you a million times for your love and kindness. You are my guardian angel! I love you
Victoria T.
April 15, 2021
Happy birthday Ronnie!
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2021
Rest In Peace Ronnie
Jill arbetter
February 25, 2021
I’m glad this page is here, otherwise I forget the exact day u left us :(
Miss you dear brother, we’re surviving, see u in heaven one day... xo jillismagilicuty♥Miss you n love you ronnie Casey Andrew Dave n the whole fam♥
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2020
Happy B-day Ronnie.... Rest easy !
Victoria T
February 28, 2020
Ronnie, my heart is full of memories, with pride I speak your name. Though life goes on without you it will never be the same.
Victoria Thomas
January 29, 2020
Ronnie,
Thank you for those beautiful memories. The only gifts today will be your sweet memories left behind of laughter, joy, and happiness that echo on in my mind. Your spirit touched my heart during your life and continues to guide me since youre gone. Rest well! You are loved.
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2019
Happy B-day Ronnie.... Rest easy !
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2019
Thinking of you always Ronnie!
Merry Christmas Ronnie!
Victoria Thomas
December 23, 2018
Happy birthday Ronnie, your memory will always linger in my heart like a soothing melody.
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2018
Happy Birthday Ronnie, your memory will always linger in my heart like a soothing melody.
Keith & Laura Oliver
April 8, 2018
Ron its so hard to rationalize its been 9 years and one month since youve been gone.
My best man at my wedding, mine and Lauras best friend in life. I listen to the Toby Keith song and tears still come to my eyes. You were supposed to be the one here taking care of Laura and I was supposed to be long gone. Laura takes you in the locket David gave her everywhere we go.
You just got back from Hawaii, you went to Tahiti, Puerto Rico twice Hawaii multiple times now and Aruba twice the last two years. Laura talks with you and shows you the beautiful oceans and she thinks of you all the time, especially when shes at the shrimp trucks or eating some Cuban food. Love you my friend and will never-ever forget you ❤
Jill Arbetter
March 1, 2018
Feb 28.....:(....
But April 15 u were born!!!
Dear Ronnie up in heaven, imiss you!! Remember how I use to pass the basketball to you when I was lil?? Remember how u use to take dave n me to tommy bakers house on the lake? Remember how u use to take Andrew n casey to Hialeah race track! That was fun!! Goin anywhere with you was always fun!!! It's been 10 years...... I sure do miss you we all do!!
Remember goin to eat barbq at shortys? Remember. U n I ate Chinese on New Years together every year?
You use to hide Easter eggs for Dave n me, always fun, n you were the best big brother we could ever ask for!we love u forever...... see u one day hopefully ❤
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2018
Ronnie,
Even though it has been 10 years, 120 months, 522 weeks, 3652 days, 87600 hours, 5258880 minutes and 315567360 seconds the love & memory of you, shall never pass away.
Today like many other days brings special thoughts of you of the happy time we shared
and caring things you use to do.
I believe that God sent you into my life to give me something to fight for, to show me there is love in this world, to give me hope and bring me joy, all the proof in God I need is in you, you are a gift from the heavens.
As the world changes from year to year, our life from day to day, you will always be remembered as someone special always such a joy.
Sending all my love today, tomorrow and forever.
Victoria Thomas
December 17, 2017
I dont need an Angel on the top of my tree, I already have one in Heaven looking down of me.
I'll remember the sunny smile upon your face, the joy you brought to all my days, your caring heart, your loving ways. You are missed each and every day, for you were someone special, who meant more than words can say. Love, Victoria
Victoria Thomas
November 18, 2017
Ronnie, you left me beautiful memories your love is still my guide, although I cannot see you, your always by my side. <br /><br />Love, <br />Victoria
Victoria Thomas
November 18, 2017
Victoria Thomas
October 24, 2017
Victoria Thomas
October 24, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Victoria Thomas
October 23, 2017
Victoria Thomas
October 23, 2017
Rest In Peace Ronnie....
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2017
Happy Birthday Ronnie
Jill Arbetter
March 3, 2017
Thinking of you always big brother!!!
Jill Arbetter
March 3, 2017
RIP big brother( Ronnie)........
Love,
Jill Andrew casey xox
Dave patty Austin lil Dave xox
We will always remember you.......❤❤❤WELL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2017
Ronnie,
Today marks your 9th year anniversary of your passing and you'll never be
forgotten that simply cannot be. As long as I am living I'll carry you with me. Safely tucked within my heart... Your light will always shine; A glowing ember never stilled, throughout the end of time. No matter what the future brings, or what may lie ahead, I know that you will walk with me along the path I tread. So rest easy my angel, be at peace and let your soul fly free. One day I'll join your glorious flight for all eternity.
love always,
Victoria
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2016
Happy B-day Ronnie.... Rest easy !
Cary Walowitz
April 15, 2016
RIP Ronnie. Today is your 61st birthday. I'll bet you're loving it watching Curry make all those three pointers like we used to try and do at Miller Park from halfcourt!
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2016
Ronnie,
Although today marks your 8 year anniversary of your passing a free-spirited person like you can never be proclaimed dead. You may not be around in person but your spirit will live on forever in our hearts. I miss you Ronnie.
Rest easy....
Gina A
April 16, 2015
My dear cousin:
It's hard to believe your not with us anymore, I miss and think of you often. We had such wonderful times and memories growing up...You even had my lovely bite marks all over you just to prove how much I really loved you! Lol
G
Jill Arbetter
April 16, 2015
Happy birthday big Ron!!! Love your fam .........
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2015
Happy b-day Ronnie ( rest easy my friend)
April 15, 2015
Happy 60th Ronnie. You are always in my thoughts. My son Ronnie, turned 6 years old last month!!
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2015
Ronnie, I thought of you with love today (February 28, 2015) but that is nothing new. I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence as I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping and I have you in my heart.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Jill Arbetter
April 16, 2014
Ronnie I will always miss u!!
What everyone said holds true for me too!! They really knew you!!love your lil sister Jill xo and lil brother David and Andrew talks bout u frequently, he's alot like you!! And, thanks to u he's turned out to be quite the young man and gentleman!!
He thinks WWRD
WHAT WOULD RONNIE DO!!
Casey misses you n loves you too!!
Along w Dave's whole family and cousins Gina and Francesca!!! See u mom n dad.... One day
This was taken in 1976
Cary Walowitz
April 15, 2014
Today would have been your 59th birthday. I miss our friendship. We will meet again someday. Rest easy my friend.
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2014
Ronnie, today marks your 6 year anniversary and the memory of you stands very strong in my heart and in my mind.
You were always there for me during the good times and bad times and for that I will always be grateful... There are many moments that I laugh through my tears thinking of your sense of humor and sarcastic wisecracks. I will never forget how you always made me smile and your bear hugs will be greatly missed. I still feel you were taken way too soon.
Most of the time I looked to you for advice, because I knew you always used good judgment and had the best interest at heart. You always taught me how to stand strong and survive no matter what life throws at you. I will always miss you... until we meet again.
Good bless you Ronnie and rest easy.
Victoria Thomas
April 15, 2013
Happy b-day Ronnie ( rest easy)
Cary Walowitz
April 15, 2013
Today would have been your 58th birthday. I miss you Ronnie and our friendship. You are always in my thoughts. Rest easy my friend.
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2013
I will always keep you in my prayers especially on this special day ... February 28, 2013
Victoria Thomas
February 28, 2013
Ronnie,
today marks your 5 year anniversary and the memories we shared will always stand out in my mind.. lots of life-changing events have taken place since last year and I know in my heart of hearts that you would be most proud of me.
Rest easy my friend ( I will always love you)
Jill Arbetter
April 15, 2012
Ronnie
Words can't say how much u mean to me, as your sister!!
Your the greatest older brother, I couldve wished for!!
Happy birthday
I'll always remember tax day April 15 th
Your bday
Love always jill
CARY WALOWITZ
April 15, 2012
Hello Ronnie,
Today on April 15 it would have been your 57th birthday. I would have called you like I always used to do and maybe we would have went to Shorties or Skyline Chili and had an eating contest. I miss your friendship. You are always in my thoughts.Rest easy.
Victoria Gadea
April 14, 2012
Happy b-day Ronnie..... You are always in my prayers
Jill Arbetter
February 29, 2012
Hi Ronnie,
My dear brother, we miss u, our lives are not the same Wout u here w us!! I thought bout u yesterday February 28th, jeff Brauninger called me n dave, to say how much he missed you, and he thinks about you all the time!!
I hope heaven has basketball courts, shortys barbecue!!
Love always your loving sister
Jill Andrew and Casey
See u one day.........
Victoria Gadea
February 27, 2012
Today is February 28, 2012… It's been four years since your passing. You are always in my Prayers... I love you & miss you Ronnie.
Jill Arbetter
April 15, 2011
Happy birthday Ronnie
We Miss u always jill
Victoria Gadea
April 15, 2011
Happy Birthday Ronnie, your always in my heart !
Cary Walowitz
April 14, 2011
Ronnie, tomorrow is April 15th and would have been your 56th Birthday. I miss you and our friendship. You are always in my thoughts. Your namesake,my son Ronnie, just turned 2 years old on March 12th. Rest easy.
Jill Arbetter
February 28, 2011
Ronnie,
We love u and miss u, me andrew and
Casey , dave and his family!
We will see u one day..... Love your Lil
sister jil
Ps just want to say Thanku to jeff and
sayra (Victoria), for the heartfelt words for Ronnie, and for keeping this open in remembrance of him) take care
Victoria Gadea
February 28, 2011
Ronnie,
Today is February 28, 2011… It’s been three years since your passing. I don’t know if it is good or bad ,but there is not a day that goes by that I have not thought of you. There are occasions when I dwell on the intimate moments, the special times that we shared together. The memories that you and I shared together, Mr.Arbetter, I will treasure forever.
Ronnie, so much has changed in my life somethings are good and then somethings are not so great. But nevertheless I feel blessed and honored to have known a man as special as you.
Ever since you parted I have felt an enormous void in my soul that no words can describe. The truth is the only thing that consoles my wounded heart, is to cling to the memories that we created and keep you in my prayers steadfastly.
(I W-I-L-L A-L-W-A-Y-S L-O-V-E
Y-O-U R-O-N-N-I-E)
(I will always cherish your smile) I miss you tremendously... Your memory will live in my heart forever!
Victoria Gadea
February 27, 2011
Jeff J. Hill & Victoria Gadea
February 27, 2011
February 28, 2011
Tribute to Ronald Mark Arbetter
I feel it is more to celebrate the life of the “great man” and “wonderful friend” that you were. Honestly, “things” are better now (easier); we don’t think about you every day, only e-v-e-r-y other day. Hah-hah-ha!
And when we think of you, it brings a smile to our faces, as it usually some not-very-important memory of something trivial… like going out to eat, or going to a ballgame or some-new-place that just opened.
But that is the kind of fun-loving guy you were, always living life to the fullest, focusing on the good and discounting the bad. We could a-l-l learn and benefit from the example you set. Even the way you ran “Arbetter’s” was very special… You were such a positive role-model for all those kids, displaying a disposition that said “I can’t wait for tomorrow”. Because of that, I’m sure that your impact will be felt for generations to come.
But most importantly to us, we wanted to let the world know, as the day of your passing approaches; that you are missed tremendously and that we are richer for having known you.
We will always love you Ronnie,
Jeff and Victoria
Jeff J.Hill & Victoria Gadea
May 3, 2010
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Cary Walowitz
April 16, 2010
Hey Ronnie,
You are always in my thoughts, especially yesterday and today. I was in Atlanta earlier this morning and in the airport I saw a hot dog place called Oscar Meyer hot dog zone so I stopped in to try a chili dog for you to honor your birthday.I know you would always try any hot dog place you would come across. Well of course the hot dog was terrible as nothing could or ever will measure up to a CO. I had to chuckle to myself as it was a tiny little place with 5 employees to make a one dog order. I remember in the old days that with you and me on dogs with your dad and maybe one other kid, we used to serve 2400+ on a busy Saturday. Those were the best days of my life. I'll be seeing your little namesake (my son), on Monday, in Jamaica, who just turned 1 last month. Yesterday would have been your 55th birthday and I probably would have taken you out to eat at Shorties. Rest easy my friend.
Victoria Gadea
April 15, 2010
Happy B-day "Ronnie" your always in my thoughts
jill arbetter
February 7, 2010
ronnie we still miss you and love you your sister jill brother dave and all our family!!
January 31, 2010
In Ronnie's honor:FEBRUARY 2010: I graduated SW High with Ronnie in 1973. We were like brothers, the best of friends. I was raised on those tasty steamed dogs that Mr. Arbetter (senior) had perfected. The best Chili Dogs in Miami !!! It was great to eat there everyday and enjoy Mr. Arbetter's sense of humor and loving personality. He was the ultimate Boston/New England sports fan. None fiercer or more dedicated than him. Mr. Arbetter and Ronnie's mom Phyllis, were like second parents to me and friends like Norm Heindrich, David Marine, Doug Kirk, Arnold Abreu, Royce Green. The Arbetter Family and the restaurant are Miami landmark institutions and I honor them as such. The Velasco family in Rockledge, FL. send their greetings, love, and respect to Jill, David, and the rest of the Arbetter clan. Miss you Bubba !!
Sharon Crumb
November 16, 2009
I had a crush on Ronnie in Jr. HS, we were the shortest kids in our class me and him. I am saddened to hear of his passing, even ater all these years.
John Dannelly
September 7, 2009
I never knew the Arbetter family except as a long-time customer but I have followed the ownership history. My family has been Arbetter customers since Bob opened the Bird Road location. First my wife, our three sons, and me. Now, three generations of my family are Arbetter customers. My 14 year-old grandson is expecially fond of a plain Arbetter hot dog, just the boiled dog and a bun, no condiments. I take him to Arbetter's as a special treat at least once a week. While I am there I sneak in a CO, fries, and a diet Coke. A quote from that grandson as we were leaving Arbetter's today, "Thanks, Grandpa, I like Arbetter's more than any other restaurant". When he is old enough he wants to work at Arbetter's.
John Dannelly, Kendall
Cary Walowitz
April 13, 2009
Ronnie: For about the past ten years or so I would always call you on your birthday as you know. You will be in my thoughts on Wednesday April 15th as you are every day. Rest Easy
By:Victoria & Jeffrey
April 11, 2009
From Ronnie,
To my all dearest friends & family, some things Id like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. Im writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, theres no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because Im out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you. Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest Friends & family, that love you very much... They'll be here later on. I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan. There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for all of you. And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years. Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you , you wouldnt understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. Im closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and Id like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night....My day was not in vain. And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go. When youre walking down the street and youve got me on your mind; Im walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when its time for you to go...from that body to be free. Remember youre not going...youre coming here to be with me.
P/s You have a birthday comming up, April 15th... would have been 54!
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY STILL RONNIE"
because in our hearts, you'll always be!
Cary Walowitz
March 12, 2009
Hi Ronnie. Your namesake Dejuan Ronnie Walowitz was born today at 3:20 AM. He weighs 6 1/4 lbs. and is 20" tall. I will tell him all about you as he grows up my friend. Rest in Peace
jill arbetter
March 11, 2009
dear ronnie...you always were and still are my dearest older brother. YOu meant the world to me and your nephews andrew and casey. We miss you, everything about you. Laughing with you, your jokes, and just having fun whenever we were around you!! We will see you one day......love your sister jill elise see you soon kiddo....p.s. its been one year on february 28th when you left us...im glad your not in pain anymore and suffering,,,,but we have pleanty of good, happy memories, some sad too, of times spent with you, you will always be with us...and we will always be thinking of you...and on behalf fo your little brother david....he misses you and loves you too, and patty and austin and dave your sil and nephews....
Cary Walowitz
March 4, 2009
Ronnie, A year has already passed since you left us. You are always in my thoughts. A lot has happened in my life in the past year that you don't know about so I am telling you now. I'm patiently awaiting the arrival of my new son Dejuan Ronnie Walowitz. I never thought I would be a Daddy at the age of 51. His birth should be soon around March 23-24. I only hope that his three point shot will be as good as yours and not as bad as mine when we played. You always made 3-4 out of 5 and I was lucky to make 1-2 out of 5. We will play again some day, I'm sure of it. Rest easy my friend.
Victoria Gadea & Jeffrey J. Hill
February 5, 2009
To Honor the One-Year Anniversary of Ronald Mark Arbetter
Jeffrey Hill and I, Victoria Gadea; wanted to commemorate the profound effect on us of this special date by making our best effort to write a letter of memoriam that recognizes and celebrates Ronnie’s lasting legacy. Feb 28th will always stand-out in our memories because it is the date of your passing.
We would like to first begin by extending a most-sincere “Thank you” for being such a great friend and truth-be-known, a role-model to both of us.
Jeff & I think alike in many ways and we both acknowledge how great of an athlete you were. For me, Victoria, I remember watching you play basketball with some teenage students at Southwest High School… I must say that it was obvious to me that you were the best player on the court. And Jeffrey can attest to that.
As a result of your influence and example, Jeffrey was able to walk on and make the basketball team at the University of South Florida
Jeff and I reminisce and laugh and even share a few tears at all the fond memories we carry of you, Mr. Arbetter.
I would also like to say that I know that Jeffrey was your best friend growing up and it’s so beautiful and comforting to me to know that. You continue to live in both of our hearts, and for that reason: we find it difficult to find closure. That’s indicative of how much you meant to us.
Jeffrey also shared with me that you were classmates in junior-high (seventh, eighth and ninth grade at Riviera Jr. and in high-school (tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade at Southwest Senior.) where you were both members of the basketball team. And once the basketball season was over your senior year, you (Ronnie) began to work at the family restaurant on Bird Road - “Arbetter Hot Dogs”…
According to Jeffrey … Despite being offered a college scholarship from a small school in Tampa named “Florida College”, you made the decision to stay in Miami, which was after being begged by your Dad not to leave…
The reason was very simple, your father was very nervous because business at the family restaurant was “booming”. And Bob knew that he needed your help to succeed.
Bird Road was a new location for Arbetter Hot Dogs and it was quickly proving to be a goldmine… This was because the Bird Road store was within quick, driving distance of the area’s four, major, high-schools- Columbus, Southwest, Coral Park and Killian and several smaller ones as well.
From this point Jeffrey in his own words will continue about “Arbetter” Hot dogs journey to Bird Road and Ronnie’s legacy in general.
For me (Jeffrey) given the perfect-storm quality of the afore-mentioned facts, the success of the Arbetter store seemed to be almost inevitable.
Bob Arbetter had had several locations for his hot dog restaurant prior to the Bird Road store. The first Arbetters was on Flagler Street and several years later, Bob moved his store to SW 8th street.
One of fondest memories I have, is going with Ronnie when we in eighth or ninth grade to the Arbetters on “8th street” to eat what he promised was “The best chili-dog in Miami.” Since I had never had an “Arbetter’s chili-with-onion” hot dog before, I promptly ate five or six and swore to Ronnie, “Forget Miami… your dad’s hot dogs are the best in the world.” Forty-years later, I still feel that way.
How Bob Arbetter came to open the Bird Road version of Arbetters is in itself a compelling story... One day when Ronnie and I were in high-school at Southwest (I think it was in the fall of ‘72), he came-up to me and said, “You’re not going to believe this crap… but the jerk that owns the store that my dad rents on the trail (8TH St.) is throwing him out.”
What happened, (I learned years later) was that Arbetters was next to a Dairy Queen, and that the man who owned the DQ, owned and rented Bob the space he occupied. Then after years of seeing Bob’s store do better than his, he gave-in to his jealousy and believing that he could emulate Bob’s success- “kicked him out”.
A little sidebar- though I always I knew Bob to be “smart”, I never understood “why” he didn’t have a lease. I tend to think it was his trusting nature… Despite having a degree in business from the University of Miami, he didn’t think like a savvy business-man. Anyway … Bob Arbetter got the last-laugh, because in his desperation, he came across a closed, restaurant property on Bird Road that had previously been an “Arthur Treacher’s Fish-n-Chips”. And this became the new home for Arbetter’s Hot Dogs.
I remember going there (tagging along with Ronnie) when Bob had just signed the papers and was rummaging-through the freezer of what was now his store... I was standing by the front door (trying to be as inconspicuous as possible) and I recall Ronnie laughing as his father held-up a bag of frozen fish while yelling, “I don’t know Phyllis... maybe we’ll just serve fish.” I joined-in and laughed too, but I could tell (even at seventeen) that the Arbetter family was v-e-r-y worried.
In regards to Bob’s wife, Phyllis, her maiden name was Paoletti and she was quite a chef in her own right. Her brother, Lou, had owned a famous high-end, Italian restaurant called “Paoletti’s” in Coral Gables. So Bob knew to seek her input in every move he made at Arbetters… I know for instance, that she is responsible for the Arbetter Hot Dogs chili recipe.
I started working up to thirty hours a week at Arbetters when I was going to Miami-Dade South JC as an eighteen year-old freshman. It was exciting to witness first-hand how Bob’s business was starting to take-off… Back then, there was only one guy “doing-dogs”, i.e. “putting the condiments on the hot dogs”- which would have been Bob and then later Ronnie…
I can still hear Bob yell, “Put more on, m-o-r-o-n!” to illicit laughter from the patrons when Columbus or some other high-school’s kids would start to fill our lot with cars during a typical “lunch rush”.
Suffice it to say… I look back on that time as an unbelievable experience. The fact that Ronnie, Bob and Phyllis allowed me to be a part of Arbetters was a privilege and a truly, precious memory that will always brings tears of joy to my eyes.
I had to talk-about the inception of Arbetters on Bird Road first, because it was such a h-u-g-e part of my life as a young man.
Now that I’ve addressed it, let me move forward a few years to December of 1977….
Bob partnered with Phyllis’s brother Arthur Paoletti to open an Arbetter’s in Hialeah. Since I was that store’s first employee, I came to know his uncle Arthur very well. Maybe three or four months after we opened in Hialeah, Bob and Ronnie left me and Arthur in Hialeah to go open a store on Northeast 6th Ave in North Miami.
Fast-forwarding from 1978 to 1988-91, I can remember stopping at the North Miami store at least once a week over that several year period to visit with Ronnie. Often, what had originally been intended to be a fifteen minute visit; would somehow morph into a several hour B. S. session.
A-l-l of these memories will be treasured …. Partly because they are such a good example of how thoughtful he was.
Once again, thank you for being such a wonderful friend to us.
We love you dearly, Rest In peace Ronnie…
Mark Valerio
February 3, 2009
I only had the privilege of meeting Ronnie once during a memorable weekend at the Univ of North Carolina back in, I think, 1987. I roomed with his brother David at the Univ of New Hampshire and had just graduated and we decided to meet at Chapel Hill because one of our friends was getting his master's degree there.
Ronnie was one of those people you liked right away. He was a great guy and it is obvious that all the people who really knew him well felt the same way. I just wanted to add this to say he made an impression on me and I was very sorry to hear about his illness. All my best to David and his family.
Mark Valerio
Victoria Gadea
December 18, 2008
Ronnie, You were kind hearted and generous to everyone that you met… But to me, you were more than that. You were simply the most remarkable man I’ve ever met. I believe that out of all the people you knew through the years, behind close doors I was the one person you confided in the most. We shared lots of time together especially, the last year of your life. It was a very difficult and traumatic time for you, and I thank God, that I was there for you. I never wanted to leave your side, the last month before you passed only God knows how much misery and anguish I went through. I still miss you tremendously and even to this day, I find it hard living without you. You were everything to me Mr. Arbetter. You were an excellent man to me, treated me like a lady, and I always admired how very well spoken you were. The vision I have of you will remain vivid. You always tried to teach me different things, and I always appreciated your wisdom, because you used good-judgment. You are definitely "One of a kind". I will treasure our memories together forever. With the deepest respect. (Rest in peace Ronnie).
Jeffrey Hill
December 17, 2008
Ronald Mark Arbetter, or as you would lovingly refer to him as,
“Mr. Arbetter”. In any event, I know that Ronnie meant “a lot” to you, Victoria. And I a-l-s-o know He loved you, “very much”.
That being said, I would say that “towards the end”,
y-o-u were his “reason” for living. After all, he was in great pain and you made him ‘smile’ through the agony that became his “everyday life”.
Faithful? How does someone d-e-f-i-n-e faithful. Well, you make sure everyday Ronnie took his meds. Is that faithful? And you would make sure that he ate everyday. Does that sound silly? Then you’ve never known anyone with “stomach cancer” or “liver cancer”. Of course, everyone is different. But that sounds pretty awesome to me.
But all I really know is- Ronnie had no appetite. When he ate, after he was coaxed into it… Ronnie would get, at the v-e-r-y least, an upset stomach. Maybe, even to the point of “throwing up”. Does that sound like “f-u-n”? He never complained. Oh he would say, “I don’t feel very good.” or “I’m not hungry…” and that was about it. And this is a guy, who when he was w-e-l-l, ate like “there was no tomorrow”. How do I know this? That is easy. In years past, Ronnie and I would go out to “eat”, more like “hog-out” at different restaurants… “Good food a-n-d lots of it.” We shared that same philosophy about “eating o-u-t”. Except, I would always “go running” or do some type of long and tiring (calorie-burning)“work-out” afterwards. That’s ‘why’ I’ve been “slender” most of my life.
Anyway, I miss him. Whenever I’m watching “sports” on TV or specifically, the Dolphins (this year) I catch myself thinking, Ronnie would love this… this new coach (Soprano), and the way Parcells has put his “hand-print” on this version of the “Fish”. It’s very interesting and I know that “He would l-o-v-e it!’ Notice how I refer to him in the “present tense”. You know, like he’s s-t-i-l-l here. Even though he’s gone, as long as I live; the memories I carry of him will make my life richer. And I thank the Lord for that. In some small ways… and in some not-so-small ways… I’m better for having known him.
Thanks.
Your friend, Jeff
Ronnie Arbetter a Truly Remarkable Man
December 14, 2008
LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!!
December 13, 2008
SUCH A RIGHTEOUS MAN!!
December 13, 2008
LOVE YOU FOR EVER!!!!!
Victoria Gadea
December 13, 2008
Ronnie
I will always love you and never forget you Mr.Arbetter, You were a spectacular person to us all, and you had lots of great friends whom loved you and do almost anything for you! (I should know this) I was one of them! I believe out of all the people you knew threw the years, behind close doors I was the one person you confide in the most. We shared lots of time together especially, the last year of your life. It was a very difficult and traumatic time for you, and I thank god, that I was there with you and for you along with your family. I never wanted to leave your side, the last month before you passed only GOD knows how much I suffered and how much sorrow and anguish I went threw and how much I misery i felt, I missed you tremendously And till this day, I find it hard living with out you. You were everything to me Mr.Arbetter, I looked up to you like a father, you were my best friend, my boss and you were a excellent man to me too, treated me like a real lady, and I admired how very well spoken you were... you always tried to teach me different things, and I always appreciated your wisdoms and your advice on everything, because you had a good moral judgment and always did the right thing, I even enjoyed when you lectured me and scolded me! Thought it was nice, that someone like you cared so much for me. Your memory will never die. In my eyes and in my heart the image i have of you will always remain vivid, you and I bonded so much the last 8 years and I have never felt that kind of love before. It feels like I knew you a lifetime. It makes me Sad because I think I will not ever love someone as much, as I loved you, Not only will I never find someone like you, but No one will ever match up to you, and there wont ever be a another Ronnie Arbetter ever again! Your definitely one of a kind!
So I ponder a lot, and concluded we must have been soul mates, the only issue was time was not on our side. But in spiteof that I will say this.....
I'am grateful! I meet you in this world, and I will honor your memory always and cherish the good and not so good times we had together for my entire life ahead of me, I Love you dearly and will miss you always, until one day we meet again, I will be the happiest soul in the world, to see you and talk to you again! Until then in my heart is were you will stay and remain
I LOVE YOU FOREVER !
RONNIE ARBETTER!!
Love, Victoria
Steve Meeks
September 24, 2008
Greatest chile dog in the world,my wife and I have been going to Arbetters forever. Hope the tradition continues. Best dog in town.
Peter Siegel
June 30, 2008
Ronnie and I grew up together on westwood lake in the 60's. Our gang included Jimmy Colby,Jack Grant, Ronnie and myself. We were always playing some sports, football, basketball, baseball (in the street mostly in front of my house) where I remember once I was at bat and Ronnie was catching and when I went to swing I hit him in the head. I'm sorry man and I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch. Those were probably the best days of my life.
Robin (Rackoff) Haugen
June 27, 2008
Dear Jill and Davy,
I was so sad to hear the news about Ronnie. I remember Seymour, Peter and I growing up with all of you when we lived in Westwood Lake. Our families, along with the Hoogs, were very close. I only wish we hadn't lost touch over the years.
Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Baker
May 8, 2008
I met Ronnie in the summer of '65 when my family moved to Westwood Lake. We spent many summers hanging out on the Basketball court Ronnie's dad had built in the backyard. Ronnie had a way of making you feel like a life long friend. He was humble and always sincere in listening to other's points of view. I feel regret that I fell out of touch over the years. Ronnie was truly a good person, as evidenced by the entries in this book. I wish you peace my friend.
Kerrie Morris
April 1, 2008
To the Arbetter Family,
JIll and I have been friends since 8th grade and roommates in college. I still can't believe her parents are gone and now her brother. I wish I lived in Miami to help you out. The Moore's and the Arbetter's go way back even before we became friends. Ronnie was such a nice person as are you, caring giveing and honest. Your parents did a great job of raising such kind people. All my love and prayers to you, Dave, Casey and Andrew. Kerrie Morris
Jeff Brauninger
March 17, 2008
My sincere sympathy to Jill and David Arbetter, and their families on our loss of their brother, Ron.
I first met Ronnie, Jill and David when they would come with their Mom, Phyliss, to visit Arbetter's on 8th Street. Ron's Dad finally gave me a job their working after school during the week, and on weekends.
We left 8th Street in '72, and moved to Bird Road. Ron started working there with his Dad and me, and we became close friends. Ronnie and I traveled to Houston with another friend of ours, Gary Spell, to watch the Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Super Bowl at Rice Stadium in 1974! We had a great time, and I still have pictures from our trip.
Ronnie and I have always been in touch with each other over the years. When he called me last Spring to tell me about his condition- I didn't want to believe it. I flew down to visit him several weeks later over the Memorial Day weekend. There happened to be a party for him then at Holoogan's on that Saturday, in which many of Ron's friends attended. He was really touched by the outpouring of love for him shown by everyone. Reflecting back, it was love and respect that Ronnie exibited to us over the years, that we were trying to give back to him.
My last visit with Ronnie was Oct. 13. We had an "Oldtimer's Employee Arbetter Reunion". Former employees who attended were Julio Horstmann, his brother Henry Horstmann, Cliff Reithmiller, Brad Berman, myself and Ronnie. We had lunch, great conversation,then headed over to Arbetter's to get behind the counter for old times sake.
I had told Ronnie that I was going to be back in Miami to go to the Sony Erickson Tennis Tournament, in early April, and that if he was feeling well enough, that he would go as my guest. Sadly for me, he won't be there in body, but I'm sure he will be their in Spirit.
I will never forget Ronnie, his Mom and Dad, who treated me like one of the family, and Jill and David.
Love and peace be with the Arbetter family, and to all who are sad of Ron's passing, may we be comforted in knowing that Ron is in Heaven, without pain or suffering.
Thanks for being a true friend, your friend, Jeff Brauninger
Richard Wahrburg
March 15, 2008
To the Arbetter family:
Your brother (and dad for that matter) was a one-of-a-kind guy. Ronnie was very kind to my son when he needed a helping hand. My family will miss Ronnie greatly. I'm making a donation in his memory to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research. I can't think of a better cause to honor the memory of a lifelong Celtics fan on St. Patrick's Day. Rest in peace, Ronnie.
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