Dr. Arnold H. Menezes

With profound love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Arnold H. Menezes, a pioneering neurosurgeon, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and the dedicated team at the University of Iowa Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Arnold was the devoted husband of the late Dr. Meenal Menezes, and together they built a life of compassion, scholarship, and global exploration that touched thousands of lives across continents. He is survived by his children-Francis and Maithilee (David Molter), his beloved grandson Sanjiv, and extended family in India and the United States, all of whom carry forward his legacy of kindness, intellect, and integrity.

Born in Mumbai, India, Arnold came from a distinguished family of physicians and carried forward their legacy with extraordinary devotion. After earning his medical degree from Topiwala National Medical College, Bombay University, he moved to the United States and completed neurosurgical training at the University of Iowa, where he spent over five decades advancing pediatric and spinal neurosurgery. His pioneering work at the craniovertebral junction transformed global practice, and his treatment algorithms became international standards. Patients from around the world sought not only his expertise but also the calm, kindness, and clarity he brought to every consultation. Though he eventually stepped away from surgery, Arnold remained fully engaged in clinic work, teaching, and writing-mentoring young physicians and continuing to serve the medical community.

Yet for all his professional recognition, Arnold remained deeply rooted in family, culture, and community. Together with Meenal, he co-founded Kala Mandali, an organization that brought South Asian cultural arts and voices to Iowa. Their shared love of travel took them to over 60 countries across six continents, where they immersed themselves in local cultures, built lasting friendships, and gathered stories that enriched their lives and those around them. Their home radiated warmth, music, and laughter, a reflection of the joy they found in each other and the world. In later years, the comfort of close family, especially the steady presence of Francis, was a quiet source of strength.

Arnold's enduring humility, generosity, and unwavering presence left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. He was a man of deep intellect and gentle spirit, who gave freely of his time and wisdom. He remained a mentor and guide, always eager to support the next generation of physicians and to nurture the values of compassion and excellence in others. His legacy lives on in the lives he saved, the surgeons he trained, and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary contributions to medicine, but for the way he lived-with integrity, curiosity, and a heart full of devotion to those he loved.

Visitation will be Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. The Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM, prior to visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Newman Catholic Student Center,104 East Jefferson Street, Iowa City.

The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@IowaCatholic

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the following two funds at UI Healthcare:

Dr. Arnold H. Menezes and Dr. Meenal A. Menezes Patient and Family Assistance Fund. This endowment will provide financial assistance to low-income patients and families who experience extenuating non-medical costs related to the care journey. This includes essential needs such as transportation costs, groceries, lodging, meals, and other daily living expenses outside the scope of traditional health care services.

Dr. Meenal A. Menezes and Dr. Arnold H. Menezes Global Health Fund. This endowment will support and guide Carver College of Medicine medical students in developing expertise in global health issues with the goal of subsequent career involvement in global health services, policy making, research, and/or teaching.

Gifts can be mailed to:

ATTN: Tom DePrenger

University of Iowa Center for Advancement

PO Box 4550

Iowa City, IA 52244-4550

If sending a check, please indicate on the memo line or on a note attached that gifts are in memory of Dr. Arnold Menezes. Credit card gifts can be made online at https://givetoiowa.org.

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