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<p>During the 90 years that Arnold S. Rifkin lived out his life in the Wyoming Valley, many things changed around him, but one thing remained: his commitment to family, community and integrity that defined his own life and benefited those around him.</p><p>Esther Davidowitz, Kingston, looking back on Rifkin&#8217;s life, recalled his remarkable marriage, his devotion to his children, his philanthropic efforts in the community and his ability to engage those around him.</p><p>&#8220;Arnold made you feel like you wanted to be a part of what he was a part of,&#8221; he said. &#8220;He was not simply a man of commerce, but a man with a commitment to the positive, certainly on the honor roll when it came to responsibility and kindness.&#8221;</p><p>Danny Goldberg, executive director of the Jewish Community Center, said of Rifkin, &#8220;He left a tremendous legacy, with a broad reach. He was known as the bridge between the general and Jewish communities.&#8221;</p><p>Davidowitz said Rifkin shared his vision of service with wife Sandy, calling their relationship unique as it not only provided a foundation for their children and grandchildren, but also a pillar for those around them.</p><p>She credits Rifkin with assisting a wide variety of organizations which included the Domestic Violence Center, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the SPCA and the Cancer Society.</p><p>He and Sandy also donated the residence known as Rifkin Hall and the lobby of the Evans Residence Hall at Wilkes University.</p><p>&#8220;Often someone is devoted to one cause or to one organization,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Arnold was diverse in concerns and assistance to the community.&#8221;</p><p>Davidowitz, who served on the Board of Trustees of Wilkes University with Rifkin, remembers him running A. Rifkin, Co. with great concern and care for his employees, serving as a father figure and a role model.</p><p>The company was founded by Rifkin&#8217;s grandfather, with Rifkin taking the helm in 1968. His leadership credited for developing a national reputation as a leading manufacturer of security bags, creating 12 patents while designing new products.</p><p>&#8220;Not only was he successful,&#8221; she said. &#8220;He consistently made it possible for those around him to be successful.&#8221;</p><p>Rifkin was known not only for his love for family, skill in regard to business and quick wit, but for his appreciation for art and culture.</p><p>&#8220;When Arnold had people to his home, he would often take opportunity to share his enthusiasm for art,&#8221; she said. &#8220;He was extremely knowledgeable and enjoyed discussing treasured pieces of artwork.&#8221;</p><p>Davidowitz also reflected on Rifkin&#8217;s commitment to the spiritual, having served as president of President of Temple B&#8217;nai B&#8217;rith.</p><p>Quoting Thomas Brown, Davidowitz said of Rifkin, &#8220;Life is a pure flame and we live by an invisible sun within us.&#8221;</p><p>Arnold Rifkin, she said, will continue to be that bright light.</p><p>The funeral service will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, August 5, at Temple B&#8217;nai B&#8217;rith, Kingston, with Rabbi Roger Lerner officiating.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Rifkin </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_rifkin.jpg</photo0><caption0>Rifkin </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Rifkin remembered as philanthropist, friend</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Geri Gibbons</p><p>ggibbons@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Arnold Rifkin remembered as a family man, philanthropist, friend