Arthur Jerome Recht

RECHT: Arthur Jerome Recht of Weirton, W.Va., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 62 years of Janet Karp Recht; devoted father of Scott (Jaime) Recht of Rockville, Md.; Elisa Recht Marlin of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jodie (Steven) Krasnick of Huntington Woods, Mich.; and Steven (Geri) Recht of Upper St. Clair, Pa. Loving grandfather (Pops) of Bruce and Jason Recht; Daniel, Barry and Zachary Marlin; Ellie, Marla, and Evan Krasnick; and Jacob, Sydney and Rayna Recht. Brother of the late Rose (the late Harry) Hausman, Sally (the late David) Hearst, the late Allan (the late Florence) Recht, Ruth (the late Edward Rubenstein and the late Charles) Levenson, and Florence (the late Jack) Heyison. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Arthur was born in Pittsburgh to Harry Recht and Bella Tannenbaum Recht and raised in Aliquippa, Pa. The youngest of six siblings, Arthur was doted upon by his older sisters and brother. Due to illness, he did not start elementary school until third grade, but highly excelled and graduated from Aliquippa High School when he was only 17 years old. Arthur attended Geneva College before transferring to West Virginia University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Delta fraternity and earned undergraduate and law degrees. Arthur remained a proud Mountaineer alumnus and fan throughout his life. Arthur married Janet Karp in 1953, and they settled in Weirton, W.Va., where they raised their family and Arthur founded Recht Law Offices. Arthur was a passionate lifelong member of B’nai B’rith International, in which he held several offices, traveled nationally and internationally, and was an influential part the organization. He also felt very strongly about his involvement with his local synagogue, holding many positions at Beth Israel Synagogue of Weirton, B’nai Israel Synagogue and Temple Beth Israel, both of Steubenville, Ohio. Most recently, he was a member of Beth El Congregation of the South Hills. Arthur proudly practiced law in Weirton, W.Va., for over 63 years, grew his practice, handling all types of legal cases, and would later bring two of his children to practice alongside him at Recht Law Offices. He continued to meet with clients until very recently. He served as president of the Hancock County Bar Association. Arthur was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, and enjoyed watching many other sporting events. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach, St. Maarten and Israel. He enjoyed music, reading, collecting artwork, antiques, clocks, and watches, doing crossword puzzles, watching movies, playing cards, and spending time with his family. He and Janet were longtime patrons of the arts, including Pittsburgh Public Theater, City Theatre and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Arthur will be fondly remembered for his gentle and humorous nature, his “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude, his generosity, his many hats, and his trademark cigars. The Recht family would like to thank his Wednesday night companion and stepbrother Arthur (Auchy) Katz, the staff and residents at Weinberg Terrace, Arthur’s medical staff, and the caregivers from Silver Linings Senior Care, including Doria, Linda, Judy, Amy, Steve and Steve for their loving care of Arthur. A memorial service was held at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home in Weirton, W.Va. Interment at B’nai Israel Cemetery, Cleveland Ave., Steubenville, OH. Contributions can be made to B’nai B’rith International, the Western Pennsylvania School of the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and the Jewish Association on Aging of Pittsburgh. Share tributes and memories at grecohertnick.com, 304-748-3219.