Arthur Michael Finstein, husband, father, grandfather, musician, teacher, and friend, passed away on October 14, 2026. He was 82 years old.
Born in Cambridge, MA on August 5, 1944, Arthur was the only child of Selma Mildred (Gross) and Joseph Simeon Finstein. He grew up in Brighton, learned to play piano from his mother at a young age, and reveled in the joys of a Boston childhood including attending Boston Latin School, frequent trips to the Symphony, and a strong connection to Temple Israel of Boston. Childhood interests included math, clarinet, piano, and flying with his navy pilot uncle in his Piper Cub. Art studied music at Brandeis University for both undergraduate and graduate degrees, where he became involved in musical theater, particularly the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. It was in this context that he met the love of his life, and wife of 56 years, Lois Ann (Saval) Finstein.
With parents who were teachers/scholars of English, art, Hebrew, and law, Art developed a natural interest in teaching as a way to explore music and community. He started his career teaching music in Boston, continued in Concord, then at North Middlesex Regional High School, and spent his longest tenure as Director of Music for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and then Holliston High School, from which he retired in 2003. In these contexts, Art taught classroom music, and directed choral and instrumental groups, presenting concerts, musical theater productions, and taking students to participate in international music festivals. When not teaching, Art became a major presence in the Boston musical theater scene, serving as music director for dozens of productions throughout the area for groups including Arlington Friends of the Drama, The Reagle Players, Concord Players, Southborough Players, Sudbury Players, and Wellesley Players.
A longtime resident of Framingham, Art served as a Library Trustee for the Framingham Public Library; and after years of watching Lois perform with The Heritage Chorale, joined the group himself in 2019, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He also developed a loyal following as a B’nai Mitzvah tutor for students at many MetroWest congregations.
Family was everything to Art. As an only child, Art was especially enthusiastic about his three children, their families, and spending time together. He was always up for a phone call, homework help, or a rousing game of Boggle, and brought his infectious smile to games, meets, and musical events galore.
Art leaves behind his wife, Lois; his three children and their spouses, Amy (Charles Schneider), Joshua (Jayme (Graves) Finstein), and David (Hillary (Levine) Finstein); and four grandchildren: Zachary and Sela Schneider, and Gabriel and Alyza Finstein.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 18 at 12:30pm at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford Street, Natick, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon. Shiva will start at his late residence following the burial, and will continue as follows, with minyan nightly at 7:30pm:
At his late residence: Sunday, October 18th , 4:30pm – 8pm, continuing Monday, October 19th – Wednesday, October 21st: 2pm-4pm; continuing 7pm-9pm
At the home of Amy Finstein & Charles Schneider: Thursday, October 22nd2pm – 4pm – 7pm – 9pm.
At the home of David & Hillary Finstein: Friday, October 23rd 1pm – 4pm
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s memory can be made to:
- The Hale Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 by phone at 1-800-525-4669 or http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/brianwolpin. If sending a check, please include “Dr. Brian Wolpin Research Fund” in the memo line. or
- The Fine Arts fund at Temple Israel of Natick, or another Temple Israel fund of your choice.
- Temple Israel of Natick
- 145 Hartford Street
- Natick, MA 01760
Leave a Condolence