Arnold Spitzer

Arnold Spitzer

Swisher

On Monday, July 15, 2024, Arnold Spitzer (62) passed away at home surrounded by his wife and two daughters. Arnold was born to first generation German immigrants and raised on the south shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, NY.

Arnold spent his freshman and sophomore years at Calvin College and graduated in 1984 from Stony Brook University of NY with a BA in applied mathematics. He went on to an actuarial career working for insurers in NY, Virginia and Iowa, earning designations FLMI, ASA and MAAA. Arnold married his wife, Donna, in 1986. They had two daughters, Rachel and Karen, and numerous Boston Terriers.

Arnold was preceded in death by his father Freidrick J. Spitzer. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Donna; his daughters Rachel (Philip) Knouff and Karen Spitzer; his grandchildren Eli, Alaina, and Bri Knouff; his mother Rosemarie Spitzer; and siblings Felix (Diane) Spitzer, Suzanna Spitzer, Gregory (Beth) Spitzer, Cornelius (Susan) Spitzer, John Spitzer, Rebecca (Jim) Stocum, and Andrew Spitzer.

Over the years, Arnold enjoyed a vast array of hobbies including astronomy, deer hunting, hang-gliding, and motorcycling. He taught himself to play the violin and mandolin in his early 40’s. His deep interest in any subject of his choosing quickly turned into encyclopedic knowledge and know-how. He was skilled in construction and machinery and built anything he set his mind to including a garage with a basement workshop, a 4-wheel drive utility tractor, and a high-powered telescope. In his later years, he discovered rockhounding and shared his fascination with rocks, fossils and meteorites with his grandchildren.

Arnold's greatest earthly joy was found in his salvation and forgiveness through his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even in his final days as his mind and body succumbed to illness, he anticipated rejoicing in his Lord’s presence.

A memorial service will be held September 7 at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Church in Roanoke, VA.