Arnold Schectman

Arnold Schectman

September 10, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - Arnold Schectman, 96, died on Sept. 10, 2024. He was blessed with a long life, a loving family and a peaceful ending.

Born in Brooklyn in 1927, he was the son of Harry and Julia Schectman.

Arnold entered the Navy on his 18th birthday. He became attached to the Second Marine Division, where he made lifelong friends. He later served as Post Commander of Martin Hochster Post 755 of the Jewish War Veterans, as well as national treasurer of the 2nd Marine Division Association.

He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and a master's degree in history from New York University.

He met the love of his life, Ethel, at a Hadassah dance, and they were married in 1951.

Diet and exercise are often considered to be the secrets to a long life, but Arnold made it to 96 through a combination of caffeine free Diet Coke, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and frequent naps. His secret to a long life was Ethel. She was his partner for 73 years of marriage, his caregiver and his constant source of reminders, assistance and support.

As newlyweds, they helped run the family's candy store in Brooklyn. After returning to Texas, they owned a variety store near the TCU campus.

Arnold was a loving father to their two children, Laura and Lawrence.

Arnold and Ethel lost their daughter, Laura, ten years ago after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Until the day Arnold died, his sorrow and love for her was a tangible part of who he was, something he carried with him all the time. He died on Laura's 10th yahrtzeit.

He treasured his relationship with Lawrence, staying closely connected through frequent phone calls and their shared love of their favorite sports teams.

Arnold loved cool weather, James Patterson books and reading the newspaper. Any restaurant or meal he liked was considered to be the best of all time. Arnold and Ethel enjoyed traveling; their refrigerator was covered in magnets from the many places around the world that they had visited.

He always greeted his loved ones with a big smile that would light up the room. He was a lifelong storyteller, sharing his memories of the candy store in Brooklyn, his childhood in Texas and New York, his time in the Navy and the misadventures he got into while traveling. His family will continue telling his stories.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Ethel Schectman; his son, Lawrence Schectman; his grandchildren, Jennifer and Benjamin Rice; his son-in-law, Joe Rice; and his sister, Sydelle Schectman. He was part of a large extended family that he loved very much. Alan and Keisha Rubin were not only his family members, but also cherished across-the-street neighbors who took care of Arnold and Ethel as if they were their own parents.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura.

Funeral services were held Sept. 13 at the Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Fort Worth.