Arthur Bergel, 91

CRANSTON, R.I. – Arthur W. Bergel passed away June 25 at home. He was the beloved husband of Judith (Saltzman) Bergel for 62 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Isadore and Anna (Capobianco) Bergel. Arthur was a graduate of Hope High School, Class of ’48. He served in the US Army during the Korean War as an instructor at Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Arthur worked in the restaurant equipment industry for 54 years, starting his career at United Restaurant Equipment, then moving on to Paramount Restaurant Supply and then becoming the owner and president of Equipment Surplus Sales, retiring in ’86.  After retirement, Arthur found a second career, selling positouch computer systems to the restaurant industry quite successfully for the next six years.  He then became a volunteer for the RI Hospitality Association, which honored him for his contributions at a function at Twin Rivers Casino. 

Arthur was a longtime member of Temple Emanu-El, serving as a former member of the executive board, head gabbai and head of the building committee.  He was also a member of Congregation Beth David.  Arthur was a board member of the Providence Hebrew Free Loan Assoc., a member of the JWV and a 32nd Degree Mason with the Orpheus Lodge.  He served as park commissioner in the late ‘70s, appointed by Mayor Cianci.  Arthur was an avid reader and lover of arts and music.  Most of all, he loved his family and made it for this long only because of them. Above all, Arthur would often express his gratitude for his loving wife, Judy, three beautiful children and seven healthy grandchildren. 

He was the devoted father of Steven Bergel (Randy) of Sharon, Massachusetts; Lori Kreidberg (David) of Sudbury, Massachusetts; and Rhonda Ward (Kevin) of Clive, Iowa.  He was the dear brother Richard Bergel (Mimi) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Barbara Domenico (Steve) of Lincoln. He was the loving grandfather of Riva Cheses (Ashie), Jacob and Tori Bergel, Rachel and Mathew Kreidberg and Adin and Jack Ward. He was the cherished uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882.