Arthur Stein

Beloved husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend, Dr. Arthur Benjamin Stein of Wakefield, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on October 24, surrounded by loving family.

Born in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, Art was the eldest son of Mary Abelson Stein and Dr. Samuel Stein. From a young age, he showed exceptional promise - pitching a no-hitter for his Little League team, excelling academically, and earning the title of "Most Likely to Succeed" in high school. But above all, he was known for his warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit - qualities that defined his life's work and relationships.

Art earned his undergraduate degree at Pennsylvania State University and completed his Ph.D. in International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. His graduate research took him to the University of Melbourne, Australia, as a Fulbright Fellow, and to India for fieldwork that deepened his lifelong commitment to global understanding and peace.

In 1965, Art joined the faculty of the University of Rhode Island, where he taught for more than fifty years and was retired as Professor Emeritus of Political Science. He was a gifted teacher, an innovator in curriculum design, and a tireless advocate for peace and justice. His courses on nonviolence, mindfulness, and social change inspired generations of students.

In 1986, Art received the URI Foundation Teaching Award, recognizing his "commitment to human rights and concern for the environment." In 1999, he co-founded the Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies with Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., creating an enduring legacy that continues to impact students and communities worldwide. Art was also honored with the Peacemaker Award and the International Nonviolence Trainer's Award in 2023.

A prolific writer and speaker, Art authored several books, including India and the Soviet Union: The Nehru Era; Bittersweet Encounter: The Afro-American and the American Jew; Kirpal Singh: The Spiritual Path; Seeds of the Seventies; and Let There Be Light: Experiencing Inner Light Across the World's Sacred Traditions. He spoke at international gatherings, including the Parliaments of the World's Religions in Chicago, Cape Town, Barcelona, Melbourne, and Salt Lake City.

Outside of academia, Art's community involvement reflected his ideals in action. He co-founded the Alternative Food Co-op and co-owned The Merciful Lion, South County's first vegetarian restaurant in the 1970s. He was a dedicated practitioner of meditation and yoga long before they became mainstream. His decades of involvement with the Science of Spirituality community - including his role as editor of its international publication - reflected his deep spiritual commitment to peace and unity.

Art's life was defined by compassion, curiosity, and joy. He lived with purpose and integrity, radiating warmth wherever he went. He will be remembered not only for his intellect and accomplishments but for the love, guidance, and inspiration he shared so freely.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Abelson Stein and Dr. Samuel Stein. He is survived by his loving wife, Clare Sartori; his daughters, Lisa Stein and Arielle Stein (husband Bryan Hughes); his brothers, Harold Stein (wife Nancy) and Chuck Stein (wife Vickie); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Art's legacy lives on in the hearts of those he taught, guided, and loved - a light that continues to shine brightly!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Art Stein Scholarship For Nonviolence & Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island to support students who share his lifelong commitment to peace education, social justice, and human unity. Link to donate:

https://web.uri.edu/nonviolence/academics/scholarships/art-stein-scholarship/

Service's for Art are private.