Arthur Flegal

Arthur Russell Flegal 4/29/1919 - 8/31/2011 After a very long and happy life, Art passed away peacefully at his home with his wife beside him. He was born in San Francisco on April 29, 1919, the son of Edith Davis Flegal and Dr. Frank Porter Flegal. Art was the youngest of five boys. He and his brothers, Frank, Scott, Carl and Ralph, were remarkable athletes. All attended Oakland High School and the University of California, and remained close throughout their lives. Art married the girl-next-door, Barbara Warren, and their honeymoon lasted for over 68 years. But three days after their marriage, Ensign Flegal shipped out, as one of the first of the Greatest Generation. He served as the Commanding Officer of an amphibious landing craft unit in the South Pacific. He completed his active duty as a First Lieutenant at the end of World War II, and remained active in the US Navy Reserve for decades. A few years after the war, Art and Barbara moved their family to Piedmont, where they lived for 58 years and raised their four children: Arthur Russell Flegal, Jr., Leslie Jean Flegal, Warren Davis Flegal and Stephen Peter Flegal. They also had four grandchildren: Heather Wood, John-Arthur Flegal, Elizabeth Simonsen and Edith-Adelaide Simonsen. Art was an executive for the American Seating Company, but his real passion was for antiques. That passion evolved into a business, Return Engagement, which he created with his wife. They went to Europe several times in search of Georgian silver - Art's specialty. Art was committed to his community. He served as Mayor of Piedmont; Chairman of the Local Agency Formation Commission of the San Francisco Bay Area; President of the Board of Directors of the Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay; Chairman of the Alameda County Chapter of the American Red Cross; President of the Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts of America; President of the California Conference Credit Union; President of the First United Methodist Church of Oakland, Director of the American Lung Association of Alameda County; Director of the Piedmont Beautification Foundation, President of the University of California's Valley Bear Backers; and Vice President of the Piedmont Rotary. He also founded the Piedmont Historical Society, and served on the Executive Board and Regional Planning Committee of the Association of Bay Area Governments; the Advisory Board of the East Bay Psychology Center; and the Republican State Central Commission. In addition, he was a member of the University of California Alumni Association, Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, Aahmes Temple of Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Grandfathers' Club. But more than anything, Art was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family, close friends, and people in need always came first. He will be missed by all. Memorial services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, September 9, at the Piedmont Community Church, 400 Highland Avenue, Piedmont, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Piedmont Boy Scouts, Piedmont Community Church or a charity of choice.