Arthur Kestenbaum

Arthur Mark Kestenbaum, 79, of Piscataway, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

 Arthur was born on December 17, 1946, in the Bronx, New York, to Lewis and Jeanette Kestenbaum (Lendler). He grew up in a close-knit family and was later joined by his younger sister, Fredi. Art often shared fond memories of spending time with his family, both immediate and extended, playing stickball in the streets of the Bronx, and watching baseball and football games with his father. Those early years helped shape his lifelong love of both sports and family.

 A gifted student, Art graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1963 at just 16 years of age. He went on to attend the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. While at CCNY, he developed a passion for playing hockey and was instrumental in helping establish the college's hockey program, a source of pride that remained with him throughout his life.

 On July 12 1975, Art married the love of his life, Wendy Elberger. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, and love, sharing more than 51 years of marriage and unwavering devotion to one another.

 Art began his career in the chemical engineering field before discovering his true passion: entrepreneurship. He founded his own insurance agency and built a thriving business based on trust, relationships, and exceptional service. Art genuinely cared about people, and his clients felt that. As a result, much of his business grew through referrals from customers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Eventually, Wendy joined him in the business, and together they created something that reflected their shared values of hard work, integrity, and personal connection. 

Art was a lifelong sports enthusiast who believed in staying active and embracing every challenge. A dedicated runner, he proudly completed the New York City Marathon twice, an accomplishment that reflected the determination and perseverance that defined so many aspects of his life. Whether participating in sports, cheering on his favorite teams (NY Mets and NY Giants), coaching his kid’s teams, or supporting his children and grandchildren from the stands, athletics remained one of his lifelong passions. 

Music was another great joy in Art’s life. He was especially fond of doo-wop music and rarely passed up the opportunity to attend a concert or show with friends. Over the years, his enthusiasm and outgoing personality led him to develop friendships with many of the performers he admired. He loved sharing stories from those experiences and found great joy in being part of a community built around the music he cherished. 

Of all the roles he held throughout his life, being a husband, father, and grandfather brought him the greatest joy. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending their activities, cheering them on from the sidelines, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. 

Throughout his life, Art’s Jewish faith and heritage were an important part of his identity. He took great pride in preserving family traditions and sharing them with future generations. He took great pride in seeing those traditions continue through his children and grandchildren, ensuring that the values and heritage he cherished would live on. 

Art’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the countless lives he touched through his work, coaching, friendships, and the values he instilled in those around him. He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew him.

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy Kestenbaum; his children, Larry (Josephine) Kestenbaum, Julie (Matt) Watson, Sherry (Mike) Winslow; his 5 grandchildren Jayne, Hannah, Allison, Dana, Caleb; his sister, Fredi Dyer and her partner, George Passander; his sister-in-law, Beth Felson; his brother-in-law, Mark Elberger; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

 He was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Jeanette Kestenbaum, and several extended family members.

 Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:30 am at Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel in New Brunswick, NJ followed by a 12:00 pm burial at Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ