Arthur H Rotstein

September 29, 1945 - July 20, 2020

Arthur H. Rotstein (aka Art), 74, passed away on July 20, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. The virtual funeral will be Thursday July 23 at 11:30am Tucson time (2:30pm ET). Rebekah and Debby will speak before Art is laid to rest. Here is the link to attend virtually: https://viewneral.zoom.us/j/92657191804?pwd=Q3BZVSt1S0hXNnhXREZYQ2ZhNXppQT09 Password: 221198 There will be a traditional Jewish shiva (prayer service and family visitation where family and friends will speak) later in the day 5:30pm Tucson time (8:30pm ET.) Here is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84769195809 Passcode: 145044 Art was a longtime journalist who was passionate about the pursuit of truth and freedom of the press. He died July 20 of COVID-19 at age 74. Art was a Chicago native who earned his undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Missouri and his master’s in journalism at Northwestern University. He worked for the Associated Press in Chicago for six years before he and his wife, Debby, eagerly accepted a transfer to Tucson after a couple of especially brutal winters. Art was the AP correspondent in Tucson for 29 years until he retired in 2010. He covered a vast number of topics from politics and border issues to sports and medical developments. He was especially proud of his extensive coverage of the UA transplant and artificial heart transplant program headed by Dr. Jack Copeland. Later, Art became Dr. Copeland’s patient, undergoing two open-heart surgeries. Art was inexorably tied to journalism, telling his family, “I am my profession and my profession is me.” He mentored young journalists and covered a wide range of news and sports stories across southern Arizona. His attentive listening skills and ability to tell all sides of a story made him a standout in his field. Art’s smile was infectious, and he will be remembered for his humanity, generosity, sweetness, compassion, integrity, ethics and sense of fairness. Art was an avid UA Wildcat fan and a doting husband, father, brother and uncle. He and Debby would have celebrated their 49th anniversary next month. In addition to Debby, he is survived by his daughter, Rebekah, and sisters Susan Topor of San Francisco and Charlotte David of Chicago, and many inlaws, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate Art’s life may make a donation to one of the following: Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 Research Fund, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the ACLU or Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona. To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. Currently, we are limited to a 10 person attendance at any service.