Arthur M. Mossberg
Arthur M. Mossberg, 74, of Warwick, passed away on Tuesday, October 29 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Frances Sheridan Mossberg. Born in Providence, a son of the late Jacob and Rhoda Mossberg, he lived in Warwick for most of his life. He was a retired longtime professor at CCRI.
Arthur was the loving father of Marissa Mossberg, and her husband Jeremy Martinez of Barrington; and of Rachel Mossberg of Warwick and New York. He was devoted to his grandchildren, Eva Mossberg Martinez and Gabriel Mossberg Martinez. He was the dear brother of Fred Mossberg of Warwick and Walter Mossberg of Potomac, Maryland.
Throughout his life, Arthur was dedicated to helping others through secular education and Jewish life. And his devotion to his family knew no bounds. As a young man, he launched Project RIRAL, which taught English as a Second Language around the state. Later, he and his team provided adult education services to many school systems in Rhode Island. He capped his career with decades as a professor at the Community College of Rhode Island, where he taught English, Writing and ESL and wrote a college textbook. His students there posted praise of his teaching as “inspirational” and “caring”.
In Jewish life, he was a faithful leader of Temple Am David in Warwick, serving on the board and as treasurer for many years. In this role, he stepped into the shoes of his father, one of the founders and presidents of the temple’s predecessor, Temple Beth Am. He also became the leader of the family on religious matters, presiding over Passover seders and Rosh Hashanah dinners with a balance between tradition and modernity.
The joy of Arthur’s life was his family. He was utterly devoted to his wife Fran, and to his daughters Marissa and Rachel. He was over the moon about his grandchildren and they about him. He loved to cook and taught his children to cook. He also loved to travel, had a great sense of humor, and a wide circle of devoted friends. And he was an avid New England sports fan, following every team – especially the Red Sox and the Celtics.
Arthur’s life was a blessing to all he knew and touched.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. in Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League (https://www.adl.org).
19 Comments
Leave a Condolence
Contact
Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
I mourn Arthur’s passing. Growing up we were first cousins who lived one street apart, were classmates in junior and senior high school, had the same set of friends and spent countless hours together during this formative period of our lives. We influenced each other in so many ways. We shared our deepest secrets together and gave each other a sense of acceptance and belonging. My relationship with Arthur was in many respects that of a brother that I never had.
Arthur Mossberg was a thoughtful, caring, witty, generous, and above all brilliant man who enriched the lives of everyone he knew. It’s been my honor to share good times with him for more than 6o years, and nobody will ever take his place my memory. The world has become sadder at this moment, but it will forever be a better place because of the joy Art’s life brought into it. He lives on within all of us…
How my heart aches learning of the parting of this wonderful man. He had a beautiful life and soul and was dedicated to his family and friends. Such a joy to be around and have wonderful conversations with him. He will be truly missed. Now his new journey begins full of love and pain free. With much love,
Carol and Michael McDole
Arthur was a great uncle to Kristen and Eric. His kind and gentle soul will be missed.
RIP
Fran,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Arthur.
John Short
Fran & family, we have lost a true friend.
Thoughts go out to you during this difficult time. There really are not words big enough to express.
~Rest easy Arthur
As brothers only 2 1/2 years apart, Arthur and I grew up together in Warwick, spending much of each day of our entire childhood together. Although we lived far apart, we continued to keep in touch as adults, and I was fortunate enough to be able to FaceTime with him while he was in hospice. He was an extraordinary and wonderful person in every respect and I have loved and admired him all my life. I was honored to write the obituary above, which describes his life of caring for others, and being devoted to his family and to the community. He can never be replaced.
May Arthur’s memory be for a blessing. Although I never met Arthur, I feel as though I know him. I worked with Rhoda, his mother, many years ago at the Department of Labor and Training in Warwick. Rhoda was so proud of her three boys and every day there was a new story about them. My condolences to Arthur’s family. An amazing man, with an amazing life and an amazing family.
Fran,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Arthur. You and the girls are in our thoughts. Thanks for all the kindness you showed our family over the years.
Arthur, Jonny Carrol and I grew up together when we were just neighborhood kids. I remember all of us hanging out in Arthur’s garage in the summer, and playing catch in his side yard. Sorry to hear of his passing, and my deepest sympathy to his family.
Steve DiNobile
So sorry, Our Deepest Sympathy to Fran and the whole family. Great guy and friend. He will be greatly missed. Lee, Kathy and Lindsey.
I had the pleasure of working for RIRAL for over 12 years and was saddened to learn of Arthur’s passing. May his family and friends find comfort in one another and may he be at peace.
My sincere condolences to Arthur’s family. He was an amazing person with a great passion for his colleagues and students. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Arthur at RIRAL for many years. The agency still thrives from his legacy. I remember one lesson he taught me about how ESL students from various cultures write. To this day, I still have his notes and try to convey his lesson as I continue to teach my students. Best regards, Marie Crecca Romero
My deepest condolences to all of Arthur’s family. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I knew Arthur as a colleague in the English Department at CCRI, and I held him in the highest esteem. He offered kind encouragement to me when I was a new faculty member; he epitomized what it meant to be an excellent teacher; and he was always a collegial gentleman. I shall keep Arthur, and all of you, in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jerry Doran
At CCRI, we are grateful for all he did for our students and the community. He will be missed.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Arthur was a wonderful colleague and an exemplary teacher.
With sympathy,
Jeanne Mullaney
I met Art Mossberg on the first day of orientation at RPI. We became friends and shared a three bedroom apartment with three other friends for three years. We shared a bedroom for most of the time. He was my closest friend for the last seven decades. The pain of his loss is overwhelming. All I can do focus on the knowledge that he was an exceptional man who always improved whatever he touched. Great teachers change lives, and I know he was brilliant in his work. I am most proud that he called me his friend.
Deepest sympathy to Arthur’s extended family—we knew him as Walt’s beloved brother, and we celebrated some simchas with the family. He was a generous and loving person.
זיכרונו לברכה
May his memory be a blessing.
My late husband, Norman Tobin who passed away 7 years ago, and Arthur were best friends while growing up. Norman loved Arthur and would be so sad about his passing, as I am knowing Arthur through Norman and going to Beth Am. My sincere condolences. I certainly understand what you’re all going through.