Arnold Leslie Fleisher

Arnold L. Fleisher, DVM, passed away Saturday, 14 November 2020 in Charleston, SC.

Arnold was born in Queens, NY on 28 October 1935. His family moved to Miami, FL when Arnold was 13 years old. Arnold finished his college education at the University of Florida and attended veterinary school at Auburn University. He then moved to Hempstead, NY to join his uncle at the Nassau Animal Hospital where he practiced veterinary medicine for over thirty years.

Upon arrival to New York, and as he did not know anyone, Arnold was provided with the names of three young women. Barbara Margolis was second on the list. When the first woman did not pick up, he left a message with Barbara's younger sister Arlene. She returned the call. Their first date was at Nathan's Hotdogs in Oceanside; a five-cent hotdog dinner. Arnold felt that a woman who would accept a five-cent hotdog as a first date was worth keeping. The date was in July and they were married six months later on 21 January 1960 at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue.

Barbara feels they were soul mates. Yin and yang. They traveled, fished, enjoyed shows and museums, bought and renovated homes and apartments together and entertained whenever the opportunity arose. They also raised three children together.

Arnold had "golden hands." He could fix and build anything including greenhouses and furniture; winding fishing rods and making his own lures. Arnold especially enjoyed fishing and swimming at the beach. He enjoyed bike rides and walks with his family, taking care of his plants, printing his own photos and cooking holiday and other meals with Barbara. More recently, Arnold took up wood turning and spent hours making wooden bowls and trays to share with family and friends.

Upon his retirement from veterinary medicine, Arnold spent many years as an Explainer and part-time researcher at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. A favorite event at the museum was providing directions and candy to families during the annual Halloween celebration.

Arnold taught his children to be independent and self-sufficient. He taught them the value of hard work, an education and Jewish values. He taught them the value of volunteerism and assisting in the community.

Arnold loved Jacob, his only grandchild. They fished, went golf-cart alligator hunting and hiked parks together. They spent time at the beach together where Zadeh taught Jacob how to body surf, as he had taught his own children. They built toys together, and talked about school and Jacob's activities.

Arnold and Barbara have been half-backs the past several years, spending summers in Long Beach, NY and winters in Sun City Hilton Head, SC. We will all miss his chatter as he could speak in a knowledgeable manner to anyone about almost anything.

Arnold is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 60 plus years, daughter Nanci Kestenbaum (Stuart), sons Marc (Hollie Hyslop)and Stuart (Sandra Madiera), and grandson Jacob Kestenbaum. He is also survived by his brother David Fleisher and sister-in-law Arlene O'Sullivan (Roger), several nieces and nephews, "First Wife" Burton Black (Marilyn) and many other long-time friends. He was pre-deceased by his brother Joel Fleisher (Jerilynn).

To view the funeral service video please visit the following: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NYQXCXKS5CL46HF4