Arnold Grevior

1927 - 2020

Arnold Grevior, beloved husband of Barbara Grevior, passed away quietly in his home on March 3, 2020, at the age of 92, surrounded by those who loved him. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara, and their two Standard Poodles: Sophie and Sadie.

Arnie was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on March 21, 1927. He was an only child.

After graduating from high school, he entered the Army, where he served during World War II as a bomb X-ray technician. He had the unique experience of working on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project. Upon his discharge from the Army, Arnie moved to Florida where he attended the University of Miami undergraduate, and law school under the GI Bill graduating with honors. He remained an active alumnus throughout his life, and was very proud to have been inducted as an Iron Arrow.

He graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1955. After a short time as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami, he moved to Fort Lauderdale, where he would practice law for over sixty years. His office remains on a street that bears his name. He was well-known for his keen intellect, sage advice, business acumen, and gregarious personality.

His love of people and animals would be a constant in his life. It would lead him to create and establish programs to help both. He created the Grevior Fund at the University of Miami School of Law to encourage animal advocacy. He and his wife Barbara sponsored the formation of the Grevior Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida's Veterinary School, and funded the Grevior Suite to help needy shelter animals.

As Albert Einstein once said: "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Arnie's life was worthwhile. He dedicated his life and his fortune to the community in innumerable ways. His passion for the welfare of animals and for the health and social needs of the less fortunate is legion.

He served the community as a municipal court judge for fifteen years. He served on the Advisory Board of the Youth Automotive Training Center, where he helped disadvantaged, at-risk youth. He served on the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army and the Humane Society of Broward County for over 40 years; he served as president of each. He was instrumental in securing the building in which the Broward Humane Society now operates.

His passion for movies and the theatre gave him another opportunity to give back. He and his wife created the Grevior Box Office at the then Cinema Paradiso, now known as the Cinema Savor. He was the driving force behind the creation of the St. Augustine Film Festival, which just celebrated its ten-year anniversary. He was a great supporter of the Symphony of the Americas.

He also served on the Board of Seafarer's House for over a decade. He was active in the Downtown Rotary, and served on the boards of the Historical Society, the Planning and Zoning Board, the Heart Association, and he was a member of the 100 Club.

Among Arnie's favorite things were his wife Barbara, their two Standard Poodles, Sophie and Sadie. They adopted shelter dogs, including Zeppelin, Kasha, Cory, Coco, and Shayna, and owned other Standard Poodles, Nate, and Lola. He owned and loved horses. A beautiful carousel horse named Charlie occupies a prominent place in his home.

He loved to read and travel to Venice, France, New York, New England, San Francisco, and Asia. He loved to dine out with Chinese and Italian cuisines amongst his favorites. His love of Chinese food led to his nickname "Buddha". Even so, there was always room for a good corned beef sandwich. Arnie also was a co-owner of Yesterday's Restaurant.

He never met a waiter or waitress that he didn't befriend. He had great respect for their work having been employed in the same profession early in his career. He was a person, who was extremely perceptive and observant of the smallest details, which he would gladly share with everyone.

In his last years, he was comforted by his amazing caregivers: Dawn Campbell-Mullings, Barbara Warren, Jeannette Apeti, and Leslie Jeanmarie. They were joined near the end by the staff of Vitas Healthcare. Thank you for all that you did to make his journey as good as it could be.

He was a lawyer, a judge, a philanthropist, a patron of the arts, an entrepreneur, and a highly respected member of the community for over fifty years. He was truly Fort Lauderdale's Man for All Seasons. Arnie will be remembered for his unique, gentle manner, and his limitless contributions to others less fortunate. He will not be forgotten for all the amazing good work he leaves behind.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Fred Hunter Funeral Home with the burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Broward County, The Salvation Army, The Seafarer's House, and The Symphony of the Americas.