Arthur Stanten

On Sunday March 20th, surrounded by family, Arthur Stanten passed away at the age of 89 at his longtime home in Oakland, CA.

Art was born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Albert and Bertha. He was raised amongst his extended family and became an avid Brooklyn Dodger fan at a young age. Art grew up in a musical household and became an accomplished trumpet player as a youth.

In his teens, the family moved west to Los Angeles, where he befriended a group of boys, who would become his life-long friends. He later enrolled at UCLA as an undergrad. While there, he met a Stanford co-ed named Meredith, who was visiting for the Rose Bowl. They eventually married and would have celebrated 68 years of marriage this June 2022.

Art went to medical school at UCSF and decided he would become a general surgeon. He did his internship and residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, interrupted by a 2-year stint in the Air Force, where he served as a Captain and lone surgeon at the base hospital in Roswell, New Mexico.

Art moved back to Oakland in 1961 to complete his residency and to enter private practice in general surgery. He had a long and distinguished career in medicine, serving as Department Chair of Surgery, President of the East Bay Surgical Society and eventually as President of the San Francisco Surgical Society. He was the consummate physician, pouring his heart and soul into what he did every single day. He taught and inspired many young, hopeful doctors to follow in his footsteps. Many came to him for advice and knowledge which he humbly imparted to all who asked. Medicine was so very important to him and he took great care and pride in his role as a surgeon. He retired in 2006, leaving thousands of patients indebted to him for his wonderful care. Art was a most beloved doctor, with a bedside manner for the ages.

Art’s two main passions, besides medicine, were his family and golf which he combined often during annual trips to Hawaii over nearly 50 years at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. He loved body surfing in the ocean, and cooling off with a Mai Tai. He particularly enjoyed spending time on these trips with his extended family and grandchildren. Art was also a longtime member of both Silverado Country Club and Claremont Country Club where he made many long-lasting friendships.

Art was the loving patriarch the entire family looked up to, with always a story to tell, or knowledge to impart. He is survived by his wife Meredith, sons Steven (Sally) and Russell (Patty), daughter Linda (Matt), grandchildren Tamara Rodriguez (Daniel), Giuliett App (Chris), Justin Stanten, Kyle Stanten, Ryan Stanten, Sam Beresford, Bridget Beresford, Jennifer Stanten, Haley Stanten, and greatgrandchildren Addison and Bennett Rodriguez.

He will be remembered by all as a loving, caring, humorous and wise individual, who left his positive mark on all who knew him and so many who loved him deeply. He will be missed. A private family service was held. The family would like to express their gratitude for the heartfelt messages of love and support.