Arthur Harold Neumann

Arthur Harold Neumann, a native San Diegan, passed away on January 24, 2026 at 95 years old. He was born at Mercy Hospital on June 12, 1930, to Rose and Alias "Al" Neumann. The youngest of three children, Arthur followed his sister Florence Brown and brother Sidney Neumann by many years and was affectionately known as a "late-life delight."

Arthur grew up in the shadow—and inspiration—of his mother Rose, a legend in San Diego's Jewish community for her lifelong dedication to service. As her son, Arthur was something of a celebrity, and through her example he learned the enduring value of giving to others, a principle that guided his life.

Arthur and Marilyn met as young children in Brooklyn when Arthur traveled there to see his brother ship out during World War II.

He graduated from San Diego High School, studied at San Diego State College, and built a career as a Certified Public Accountant. One client led to the next, and eventually his clients became his friends and family.

Arthur joined the Air force and served as a radar technician in North Africa. On his way home in 1954, he stopped in Brooklyn to visit Marilyn and invited her to visit him in San Diego. During that summer trip, Arthur told Marilyn that if she would live in San Diego, they could get married. They wed in Brooklyn 71 years ago on December 25, 1954 and started their life together in San Diego.

On January 6, 1963, their beloved son Allen was born. Allen, who lived with cerebral palsy, was the heart of their family. For 31 years, Arthur and Marilyn provided him with a loving home while advocating tirelessly for programs and resources for individuals with disabilities. That is where they created their ARC family.

Arthur developed a lifelong love of theater and became a generous patron of the arts, serving on several San Diego theater boards, most notably as a cherished board member of Cygnet Theatre. He and Marilyn were also deeply involved with the San Diego Zoo Foundation, where they helped organize its annual fundraiser, Rendezvous in the Zoo (RITZ). An avid tennis player in his younger years, Arthur later embraced travel—especially "Barry" theater tours shared with fellow theater lovers. Once Arthur met someone, they became his "friend", "close friend" or became "family".

Arthur will be remembered for his devotion to family, generosity of spirit, deep commitment to community and his love of the theatre.

Those wishing to honor Arthur's memory may make donations to Cygnet Theatre or any theatre of your choice.

Celebration Of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 27 at 3 pm
Cygnet Theatre
2880 Roosevelt Road
San Diego, CA 92106

A reception will immediately follow the service