Arthur Fishman

Arthur Fishman, M.D., passed away on June 13, 2006. Arthur Fishman, M.D., age 74, passed away peacefully on June 13 after nearly a three-year battle with ALS. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 23, 1931, he received his undergraduate degree from Temple University in 1953 and went on to graduate with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from Temple's Medical School in 1957. His surgical residency was at the prestigious and historic Philadelphia General Hospital. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. Specialty training in urology was at Ohio State University and the University of Maryland. He was board certified by the American Board of Urology since 1968. He practiced urology in Phoenix from 1964 to 2001, and had the pleasure of turning his practice over to his son, James, also a urologist. Arthur was one of the most skilled and respected urologists in our Phoenix community. He played an active leadership role at Phoenix Baptist Hospital where he served as Chief of Surgery, was on the Hospital Board of Directors, and the Baptist Systems Board. He was a long time member of the Maricopa County Medical Society, Phoenix Urologic Society, Arizona State Medical Society, and American Urological Association. A notable accomplishment was that he started the first Vasectomy Clinic in the United States for Planned Parenthood in 1978. His greatest loves were his family, friends, fine food, music and travel. Family was so important to Arthur and his beloved wife Brandy (who preceded him in death in 1999). Many a memorable summer was spent in Coronado with his children and grandchildren as well as winter vacations skiing with his children. Not only did he have a large circle of friends but he was also a close friend to so many. He enjoyed weekly tennis gatherings and, later, golf foursomes. He had an appreciation for gourmet food and sought out the finest restaurants worldwide. He also had a great appreciation for beauty in architecture, the arts, theater, and music with a special passion for opera. Over the years, he traveled to more than twenty-five countries. He is survived by his wife Iris Cashdan Fishman, son James (Linda) Phoenix, daughter Suzanne Fishman-Cain (Thomas) Denver, and son David (Lara) Los Angeles; along with grandchildren Adam, Elizabeth, Eric, Edward, Gregory, Olivia, and Teala. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Sylvia, and brother Irving. Services will be held June 16, 2006 at Temple Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St, Scottsdale, AZ at 11:00 a.m. with graveside service to follow at Temple Beth Israel Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Arthur's memory to the Arizona Chapter of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society, 4520 N. Central Ave. #560, Phoenix, AZ 85012, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.