Arnold “Arnie” S. Landsberg, 82, of Manchester, beloved husband of Julene Barr Landsberg passed away peacefully on Saturday (June 25, 2005) at St. Francis Hospital. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Andrea Beth Landsberg and his sister Marian L. Kobrosky. He was born in Hartford on March 17, 1923, to the late Albert and Rebecca (Webber) Landsberg. He was a graduate of Weaver High School, class of 1941. An accomplished musician, Arnold’s love for the guitar was the keystone for both his professional and personal life. He started playing the guitar at age 12 and was playing professionally at 16. He enlisted in the service in 1942 and performed with Army Air Corps orchestras throughout England. In 1946, he was appointed to the staff of the Hartford Conservatory and spent 25 years in that role. He opened his first guitar studio in 1947 and later was the owner-operator of Lane Music Centers in Manchester and Vernon. In the 1960’s Arnold developed a very popular 10-week “Fun with the Guitar” adult hobby class which introduced the guitar to hundreds. His passion was the guitar, and he instilled the love of the guitar to many through his teaching and performing. He continued to give guitar lessons right up to the time of his death and especially enjoyed teaching young people. In 2004, he was inducted into the Manchester Arts Commission Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution as a music educator. He served on the boards of the Manchester Bicentennial Band Shell and the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. He was also very active in the Manchester Senior Center. Arnold was a wonderfully loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a true gentleman with a soft-spoken manner, subtle humor, and a passion for every interest he pursued. In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by two sons, Larry and his wife Karen of Wethersfield and Edward and his wife Louann of Vernon; five grandchildren, Michael and his wife Jamie, Jeffrey, Jonathan, Robert, and Alicia; and one great-grandson, Harrison. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Francis Hospital, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for their kindness and compassionate care. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 28, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Burial services will follow in the Congregation B’nai Shalom Cemetery, Wethersfield. A memorial period will be observed at the home of his son at 342 Ridge Road, Wethersfield, Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 6:30 with the prayer service at sunset. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth Tefilah, 465 Oak Street, East Hartford, 06118 or the Manchester Bicentennial Band Shell, PO Box 1673, Manchester, 06045. Although Arnie’s music has left us, his melody will always remain in the hearts of the many lives he touched.
