SPRINGER, Arnold "Arnie" I. Of Fort Myers, FL, and formerly of Winthrop, Revere, and Malden. Passed away on November 6. Beloved husband of JoAnn Neary. Devoted father of Keith Springer, Andrea O'Callahan, and her husband Daniel. Loving son of the late Richard "Dicky" and Beverly Springer. Dear brother of Fredric Springer and his wife Kim, Rosalyn Wahler, and her husband Bob. Loving grandfather of Josh, Jameson, Declan, and Baileigh. Also was predeceased by the children's mother, the late Myrna "Miki" Cuditz.
Arnie was a proud Winthrop Viking who scored forty-two points in one Winthrop High School basketball game in 1959. He held the record for most points scored in a game until it was broken in 1973. He also held the state high jump record of six feet four inches for almost two decades. After high school, he went on to play basketball for Brandeis University. After college, Arnie worked for Safeguard Business Systems, buying and running his franchise for almost 50 years in Needham.
During his life, Arnie pursued many of his passions. He was a lifelong member of the Winthrop Yacht Club. His love of boating started as a boy with a rowboat, which turned into a 38-foot Silverton. For more than two decades he navigated all over the north shore. Along with Captaining his Yacht, playing blackjack, and admiring women, he was also an avid diver. This hobby took him to exotic places like Maldives, Galapagos, Pilau, Shri Lanka, Indonesia, Belize, and his favorite spot Freeport Grand Bahamas. Many of these trips were taken with his son Keith and grandson Josh. Family and friends affectionately called him "The Mayor". His magnetic personality would leave a lasting positive impression. He had a wonderful ability to remember people's names and faces.
In his later years, his greatest love was his pride in his children, grandchildren, and their accomplishments. Watching all his grandsons going off to college, and the eldest starting his brand. Not to be outdone, his granddaughter is the captain of her volleyball team. During the last 13 years of his life Arnie was devoted to his love JoAnn. They shared many walks on the beach, deep conversations, concerts, trips and adventures. In 2020 they moved to Fort Myers and settled into a lively retirement. Services were held on Tuesday, November 12, at the Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave., CHELSEA. Contributions in Arnie's memory may be made to the Arnold I Springer scholarship fund care of Eastern Bank 441 Main St Melrose Ma, 02176 . A celebration of life will be held on February 2, 2025 from 1 to 5 pm at St Anthony's club of North Woburn. Racky Thomas band will be playing and a light buffet will be served. This is a free event but we will also accept donations for Arnie's scholarship fund if you wish to donate.