Arnold “Arnie” Bruce Gopman was born January 17, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Rose and Norman.
He grew up as the youngest of three boys and had a happy childhood with brothers Howard and Seymour and the family dog, Blackie. He spent much of his free time watching TV and playing at Arno Park.
Arnie attended Southwest High School and worked after school at the Kansas City Zoo, which he absolutely loved and talked about late into his life. He especially treasured his time caring for the orangutans.
Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he studied psychology and met his (ex)wife and mother of his children, Terry Matera. He ultimately returned to Kansas City, where he proudly graduated from the University of Missouri with his psychology degree.
Arnie lived in Iowa for a short time before settling in Ohio, where he would spend the entirety of his life. In the 1980s, Arnie worked at Colonial Hospital Supply and was often one of the top salesmen, winning numerous awards. Throughout the years, he continued to work in a variety of both sales and medical jobs, including American HomePatient, Hallmark Staffing, selling CPAP machines, and his final job - which was one of his favorites - as a cashier at Kohl’s. Arnie absolutely loved being social and talking to people.
Arnie passed away September 27 after a health fight worthy of Superman.
He leaves behind his brother Howard (Carol) and his three children, Lisa (Matthew Collins), Nathan (Kristen) and Amanda Buehrer (Andrew) and four adored grandchildren, as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
To have met Arnie has always been to remember him. He was uniquely himself and loved to chat and laugh with people. He was kind, generous, and funny. Family was the most important thing to him, and he loved fully and deeply. He will forever remain loved by those who knew him.
Memorial contributions to Jewish Family Service of Cincinnati would be appreciated, or please do a mitzvah in his honor. The memorial website is https://www.weilkahnfuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/Arnold-Gopman/Memories.
