Arthur David Rutstein

The family of Arthur David Rutstein is saddened to announce his passing on May 26, 2025 at the age of 87.

Those of you who knew David he was a man dedicated to service and recognition of others who served. Be it as an educator, local historian or a purveyor of ephemera his life was an engagement with others learning their stories and passing them on. He was the happy warrior of the Passing Parade.

Born in Burlington, Vt on April 24,1938 he attended Burlington P.H.S (Class of '56). Next, he went to the University of Vermont where his studies were interrupted when as member of the National Guard his unit was activated during the Berlin Crisis in the summer of '61 though he was not sent overseas. He completed his degree soon after during which time he met his wife Amy (nee Zall) and the two moved to Brookline, MA received their teaching certificates and then both received jobs in the Berkshires where they moved to in 1967. David taught at Mt. Everet High School for nine years teaching history. Leaving in 1976 David completed a Masters of History over the next year from the University of Albany. His next adventure was to start the Antiques shop "As Time Goes By" which specialized in ephemera and was located at Belcher Square in Great Barrington in 1981 and was in business over the next 25 years. He also published a book on the Searles High School of Great Barrington. During this time David participated in various community activities which included the Great Barrington Historical Society where he served as president for a number of years, the Council on Aging as a participant and later as chairman, lecturing at the Claire Teague Senior Center of Great Barrington as well as work with various Synagogues and the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires where he and Amy were active members. He also enjoyed working at Domaney's where he learned to create the perfect Martini.

He is survived by his wife Amy, brother James and six nieces.

He was preceded by his parents Milton and Dora as well as his brother Joel.

SERVICE - A celebration of David will be held at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, MA on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Memorial Donations in his honor may be made to the Great Barrington Historical Society directly or c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com