Arthur Pinkovitz

Madison - Arthur Pinkovitz, age 86, passed away on February 12, 2009, at the Capitol Lakes Health Care Center in Madison. Art was born on July 22, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Leonard and Fanny Pinkovitz. He moved to Madison with his family in 1962. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of sixty years. Art and Betty are survived by their daughter Debbie (John Picone) of New Berlin, Wisconsin, son Bill Pinkovitz (Kristi Knuijt) of Madison and three grandchildren, Emilie and Natalie Pinkovitz, and Jason Picone. Art worked for over forty-five years in the men's clothing business. For much of his career, he served as General Manager of Clark's Clothing in Madison. After over thirty years in men's retail, Art decided to try the wholesale side of the menswear business and went to work for Tex Tan. Art travelled the state, pioneered the territory, and built a very successful business. His accomplishments were recognized when he was inducted into the Wisconsin MAC Hall of Fame. Art served in the Pacific during World War II, first in New Guinea and then the Philippines. After the war, he returned home to Omaha where he met and married Betty and started a family. Family was the most important thing in his life. As children of the Depression, Art and Betty worked tirelessly their entire lives to provide for their family and insure that their children enjoyed the advantages and opportunities they never had. They achieved that goal and more. When Art's children asked how they could possibly repay him and Betty for all they had done and the sacrifices they had made for their children, he simply smiled and answered, ""Do that and more for your children."" Truly a tough act to follow. Although Art cherished his children, his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. To him, they were the manifestation and reward of his life, and they brought immeasurable joy and comfort to him in his final years. Art and his family deeply appreciate the loving care provided by the entire staff at Capitol Lakes. They cared for Art like he was a member of their family, instead of simply a patient or resident, and brought companionship and comfort to him in his final days. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with Rabbi Jonathan Baitch officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.