Arthur Director, a long-time resident of Connecticut before moving to Boynton Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, September 25 at age 87. His last days were spent surrounded by the life, laughter, and love of his children and all of his grandchildren. Arthur was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edythe, who was also instrumental in the family business: Connecticut Lighting Centers.
Art founded Connecticut Lighting Centers in Hartford, Conn. in 1972, serving as President & CEO until 1994, at which point Edythe and Arthur’s son, David (who grew up in the business), took over the day-to-day leadership and Art remained involved as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
While the lighting industry remembers Art for his achievements in running an award-winning lighting showroom in New England and for his active membership in the American Lighting Association (ALA), he also had extensive experience in other industries. He was President & CEO of three subsidiaries of Chevron Oil Company/Red Wing Oil Company, plus was highly involved in the local community, serving as President of Greater Middletown Jaycees and was an active member of B’Nai B’rith Lodge of Middletown, Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, Middlesex County Oil Dealers Association, Bristol Oil Dealers Association, and the ALA.
In addition, Art was a member of the Governing Board & Investment Committee for the Northern Middlesex County YMCA, a corporator for both Middlesex Memorial Hospital and Rushford Substance Abuse Centers, a member of the Investment Committee for Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, a member of the Board of Directors for the Glens West Home Owners Association at Hunters Run in Boynton Beach, and has been a Rotarian since 1959. Furthermore, he served on the boards of Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, the ALA, the Greater Middletown Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of Central Connecticut, and the Greater Middletown United Way. He was also elected to the Board of Finance for the Town of Cromwell for 24 years.
A well-respected member of several local communities, Art’s volunteerism was greatly appreciated by the Middletown Little League, where he served as the Treasurer and Assistant Manager, as well as the Ahern Whalen Intermediate League where he also served as Treasurer. He helped establish Connecticut’s first chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was the Vice President of the Northern Middlesex County Big Brothers/Big Sisters chapter for 20 years.
Art’s altruistic efforts have been recognized by many awards such as the Herb and Sherry Clark Beacon of Philanthropy Award in 2015, the Big Brother/Big Sister Community Leadership Award in 2008, and the Good Scout Award for Community Service in 2005 from the Connecticut River Council Boy Scouts of America. He also holds a Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, was a four-time Paul Harris Fellow Award winner from the Middletown Rotary Club and Rotary International, among other awards. The lighting industry also lauded Art for his achievement, inducting him into the ALA Lighting Hall of Fame in 2001 and naming him the Lighting Person of the Year in 1986.
Arthur will be greatly missed by his devoted children, David (and his wife Carol) of Cromwell, Conn., and Judy Guzman of Wynnewood, Pa., along with five loving grandchildren, Jacob (Julia) Guzman, Rebecca Guzman (Adam Sanders), Todd (Grace) Director, Jenna Director, and Brett Director; and two great-grandchildren, Zara and Lena Guzman.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 29, at Congregation Adath Israel, Corner of Church and Broad Streets (8 Broad Street), Middletown, Connecticut, followed by interment at Adath Israel Cemetery (714 Pine Street, Middletown, Connecticut).
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur and Edythe Director Family Funds at Middlesex County Community Foundation, 211 South Main Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06457.
For additional information and messages of condolence to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com
