Arthur Joel Widman

1930 - 2016

Widman, Arthur Joel (Barry)

Arthur Joel (Barry) Widman, formerly of Katonah, NY, passed away on August 14, 2016 in Carol Stream, IL. He was 86.

Arthur was born in Oradell, NJ on March 17, 1930 and raised in neighboring Westwood. After graduating high school he attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Petroski at the Hackensack Baptist Church on Thanksgiving Eve of 1950. He served in the US Army's European occupying force in the early '50s. Upon arriving home, he went to work for Desks, Inc., later moving on to Dancker, Sellew & Douglas where he held the position of Vice President until his retirement from the industry in 1988. Always fond of technology, he later worked in the computer department at Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, NY. After leaving Rippowam he drove a school bus for special needs children in the Katonah Lewisboro School district, a job he truly loved.

In his later years Arthur suffered from dementia, but the disease never diminished his love for God, his fundamentally positive personality, or his joy for life. At a recent family gathering he said "I have no idea where I am, but I'm having a wonderful time!" Arthur knew how to enjoy life one day at a time, and was an inspiration to those around him.

Arthur is survived by Marjorie, his beloved wife of 65 years, his four devoted children; Bonnie Hammer, Ken Widman, Beth Wolert and Kristin Gustafson, his sister Peggy Barnum, his 14 grandchildren and his 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Bedford Community Church where he was an active member for over 35 years. The service will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 10:30am.