Arthur B. Scantlebury

Caldwell:  Arthur B Scantlebury of Caldwell NJ, age 90, took to the skies on November 15th surrounded by loved ones.

While Arthur truly embraced life, the past few years really put him to the test. His strong will and vibrant demeanor still shined through and those that were lucky enough to know him, can attest to this.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 7th, 1933 to Francis Harry and Marie La Garde Scantlebury, predeceased by his parents, his sister Joan Feindler, and close family friend, Virginia Greenough.

Growing up in Brooklyn he was a smart and quick-witted kid. Finding too much trouble, his mother sent him off to a boarding school; Lakemont Academy in Lakemont, NY. There he became a seasoned horse rider and jumper, winning trophies and competing with Ivy Leagues on Sheaggen and his much-loved horse, Ginny. He graduated with honors in 1951 and was awarded a scholarship to Hamilton College.

Originally meeting at church, through his school years he courted then eventually married Louise Osvold. They moved from Brooklyn Heights to a small home on Lake Arrowhead in Mt Lakes, NJ. From there, having often visited the Lake Telemark area of Rockaway, he bought a home due north in Telemark Estates. Besides Louise, he fell in love with the Norwegian culture and community. Learning Norwegian dances and how to play the accordion, he collected many friends and became a Norwegian himself.

His sheet metal and precision machining business, AB Scantlebury Company, founded in 1968, started in the basement of his home. He successfully ran and owned the company through a few locations with a plethora of employees until his retirement in 2016. It was this company that offered him the lifestyle he enjoyed and the dedication of those who (still) work there will undoubtedly continue on with his legacy.

Around age 50, he finally quit smoking. He picked up cycling; coordinated group rides, racked up thousands of miles, and years later he even did a triathlon. He skied all over the world, most often at his favorite place Deer Valley, Utah, where fellow skiers gathered by a yodel call and he treated them all to Glög, (a Norwegian mulled wine.) Back in the day, he enjoyed fly fishing, he golfed a bit and played some tennis, and most mornings he went to Jack Lalanne’s (gym). He loved all types of music; he dabbled on the piano, was the president of King’s Glee Club of Brooklyn, he saw Mama-Mia three times, and he sang with the Dapper Dans, an acapella barbershop group. He sun-bathed (clothing optional) poolside at his office pool, and often in later years at his favorite resort, Caneel Bay in St John. He traveled with his partner in crime, Karen, and at age 70 he had his first hip replacement making the Channel 7 News as one of the first recipients of a ceramic and titanium hip. He was still able to bike ride and ski, and he pulled off a few more runs with his grandchildren.

Later in life he enjoyed time at Lake Hopatcong in his custom-built cottage. In 2003 He joined the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club where he continued to collect many more friends. He loved a good, red wine, Beefeater martinis and Dewar’s and soda was his go to. He made the best steak au poivre and perfected home-made biscotti. He was passionate about people and had an earnest appreciation for all that crossed his path. He was generous and kind; you couldn’t walk up to a bar without his offer to buy you a drink.

He took pleasure in tackling the New York Times crossword puzzle and he delighted in learning. He had a terrific vocabulary and he loved to decipher people. He was compassionate and understanding and he had a Porsche… Yeah, he’d want to mention the Porsche.

In his last few years, there wasn’t a day spent with him where he didn’t tell you that he loved you or how much he appreciated you. If you asked him what he wanted, he would always say, “A few kind words.” I hope these words are kind enough Dad. “You will be missed” is an understatement.

He is survived by his loving children and their spouses; Lora and Chris Grant, Willa Scantlebury and Anthony Pezzano, Carl and Dawn Scantlebury. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Timothy, Kyra, Tyler, Trent, Christy, Anton, and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved girlfriend of over 30 years, Karen Zaccone, Nieces; Eva Feindler and Alexa Ragsdale, and long-time pal, Charles DiPietro. Nieces and nephews on Louise’s side are; Keith Payne, Dianna Payne Kagen, Linda Payne, and nephew/godson Christopher Payne.

His gift in one word is love. He’ll fill our hearts through eternity with cherished memories and warm thoughts…And good jokes, yeah, he could tell a good joke too.

To quote Arthur, “I’ve had a good slice of time.”

No formal services. A celebration of life will be held for close friends and family at a later date.

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