Arnold Greenberg West Hartford CT Death and Obituary – Arnold Greenberg, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on April 12, 2015, at the age of 82. His death marked the conclusion of a life dedicated to entrepreneurial success, community service, and deep familial ties. Greenberg’s story is one of vision, leadership, and profound impact in both the business world and the cultural landscape of his community.
Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Arnold Greenberg was instilled with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for education and heritage. His father, Maurice Greenberg, laid the foundation for a family business that would later become a significant part of Arnold’s life. Arnold’s early education was in law, which provided him with analytical skills that proved invaluable in his later business ventures. He practiced law for a time before making a significant career change in 1966, joining his family’s business, Coleco Industries. This decision would alter the course of his life and the history of the company.
Under Arnold’s leadership, Coleco transitioned from its origins in manufacturing leather goods and above-ground swimming pools into a dominant player in the burgeoning video game industry. In 1975, he recognized the potential of video games and led the company in developing the Telstar video game console. This move marked the beginning of a new era for Coleco, which would continue to expand in innovative directions under Greenberg’s guidance. The introduction of the ColecoVision home console in the early 1980s further solidified the company’s place in the market, offering arcade-quality games that were a major hit with consumers. One of the crowning achievements of this period was securing the licensing rights to Nintendo’s Donkey Kong, which helped propel Coleco to the forefront of the gaming industry.
Despite these successes, not all of Arnold’s ventures met with the same fortune. The Adam Computer, launched in 1983, faced difficulties due to rushed development, leading to significant financial setbacks for Coleco. However, Arnold’s resilience was evident, and he remained committed to driving innovation and finding new opportunities for growth.
Perhaps one of Arnold Greenberg’s most lasting and culturally significant achievements was his acquisition and launch of the Cabbage Patch Kids doll line in 1983. The unique and adoption-based concept behind these dolls captured the public’s imagination and turned them into a national phenomenon. This success showcased Arnold’s exceptional marketing skills and his ability to connect deeply with consumers, shaping the toy industry for years to come.
Beyond his business successes, Arnold Greenberg was also deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was a generous philanthropist, particularly in the fields of education and culture. In 1985, he founded the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, honoring his father’s legacy and enriching the cultural landscape of his community. He was also an active supporter of the arts, serving as a Life Trustee at the Hartford Stage and contributing to various civic organizations.
On a personal level, Arnold’s life was characterized by strong family ties. He was married to Beverly Greenberg for 53 years, and together they raised two daughters, Dana and Sara. Arnold was also a proud grandfather to Joshua and Lily Shafer. His brother, Leonard Greenberg, was not only a sibling but also a close business collaborator, and the two of them played a significant role in shaping the success of Coleco and their philanthropic ventures.
Arnold Greenberg’s legacy endures through the institutions he helped create and the countless lives he touched. His ability to innovate, his commitment to his community, and his deep sense of family made him a respected and admired figure in West Hartford and beyond. His passing in 2015 was a significant loss, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
