OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY
A Student of Science
D
r. Robert Arking of Troy, a scientist, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly May 16, 2022, while visiting family in New York City. He was 85. Born on July 1, 1936, in New York City, he grew up in Atlantic City, N.J., roaming the Boardwalk with friends and working in his father’s linen store. Dr. Arking received a B.S. in biology from Dickinson College and a Ph.D. from Temple University. After various positions at the University of Virginia, University of Kentucky and the University of California at Irvine, he landed at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he spent 45 years as a professor in developmental biology, developmental genetics and the biology of aging before retiring in December of 2020. Dr. Arking was instrumental in both designing courses, reforming WSU’s undergraduate curriculum and establishing the M.S. Biotechnology Program. He also promoted modern teaching methodologies and developed courses to help at-risk students. However, research was his true passion; and throughout his career he was fascinated by the physiology of healthy aging and developed a strain of
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long-lived fruit Teachers, serving flies that enabled as treasurer him to identify and executive the factors that board member, promote healthy implementation aging. Dr. Arking officer and vice collaborated president. He was with scientists also a member in Russia, of the union Dr. Robert Arking Switzerland and negotiating team. South Korea to explore the Even after retirement, genetics, physiology and Dr. Arking still taught metabolism of aging using his course the Biology of these flies. Aging as a volunteer. In addition to prolific While he was a lifelong research articles and student of science, reviews, Dr. Arking is the Dr. Arking was also a sole author of a textbook, committed humanist who Biology of Aging, now in its never failed to exhibit fourth edition. His text enthusiasm for the has been translated into endeavors of his loved ones Japanese (legally) and and offer encouragement at Portuguese (illegally), and just the right time. He was he was very proud that his devoted to his wife of 60 book was good enough to years and lived, loved and steal. laughed through each and Dr. Arking won the every one. Wayne State Faculty He was preceded in recognition award in 2000 death by his beloved for outstanding scholarship wife, Lucille. He leaves and was elected a Fellow behind two sons, David of both the Gerontological and Jonathan; two Society of America and cherished daughters-inthe American Aging law, Deanne and Carolyn; Association. He was an six grandchildren he invited visiting professor at thoroughly adored, Ben, Pusan National University Jared, Joshua, Rachel, in South Korea in 2000 and Emily and Ari. He is also 2013, and won a Fulbright survived by his siblings, Fellowship to teach and Richard Arking, Madelon study at the University of Holder and Linda Avila. Salzburg in 2006. A celebration of life In addition to his will be held at noon on scholarship and teaching, Saturday, June 25, 2022, Dr. Arking held many at the Congregation for positions with the Humanistic Judaism of American Association Metro Detroit, 28611 W. of University Professors/ 12 Mile Road, Farmington American Federation of Hills.
DR. ELIE D. ABOULAFIA, 93, of Farmington Hills, died May 9, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eileen Aboulafia; children, Diane and Dr. Peter Shapiro, Dr. David and Audrey Aboulafia, Dr. Albert Aboulafia and his fiancee, Cheryl Kalb, Robert and Deborah Steingold, David Steingold and Lisa Dwyer, Michael and Janice Steingold, and Dr. Marc Steingold; grandchildren, Miriam and Yves, Dr. Gabriella and Joe, Elie Chorlton, Jacob, Ariella, Alanna, Woody and Carla, Jason, Sean and Brooke, Rachel and Adam, Lindsay and Aaron, Eric, Meghan, Dana and Matt, Jamie and Reuben, Melissa and Barrett, and Dr. Brandon; greatgrandchildren, Yoni, Yael, Zaidie, Stella, Caleb, George, Hunter, Asher, Juniper, Ivy, Jackson, Miles and Josie; brother, Dr. Yeshaya Aboulafia; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Paul and Dr. Ruth Helman. He is also survived by Susan Steingold, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, friends and his devoted caregivers, Nefertiti Newsome and Caitlin Bonner. Dr. Aboulafia was the devoted son of the late David and the late Mazel Aboulafia. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Magen David Adom, P.O. Box 96402, Washington,
