Obituary: Fairfield Area Doctor Brought Eye Care To Those In Need

Via Shaughnessey-Banks Funeral Home:

Arnold David Pearlstone, M.D., of Westport, passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 21, 2020, surrounded by his four children, their spouses and his eleven grandchildren. Dr. Pearlstone was a devoted husband, loving father, treasured grandfather, loyal friend, and compassionate physician.

The son of the late William and Rose Pearlstone of Jackson Heights, New York, he attended Syracuse University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He then attended SUNY Syracuse School of Medicine and trained in ophthalmology at the famed New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Marion Bradshaw. Dr. Pearlstone served as a medical officer in the United States Navy in the early '60s, then settled in Fairfield County in 1963, where he successfully practiced for 60 years and where they raised their four children.

Dr. Pearlstone was an inveterate professional and a physician who stood out for his dedication and compassion. He was treasured by his patients and respected by his colleagues, having been elected to numerous boards, committees and management positions that have guided the medical care in Fairfield County for over 50 years.

He enjoyed golf, travel and music, but his passion lay in two things: his family and his philanthropy. He and his late wife gave tirelessly of themselves, volunteering and supporting many varied causes. In the mid 1980s, they began travelling to rural Jamaica to deliver eye care to those who had access to none. They launched a foundation, Eye Care for the Underprivileged, and donated resources and their time for over 20 years. Upon his retirement at 80 years old and up until early March, Dr. Pearlstone continued to give back, volunteering weekly at all four AmeriCares clinics in Fairfield County.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Diane Pearlstone Finkelstein. Dr. Pearlstone is survived by his children, Nancy Pearlstone Anderson of Maitland, Florida, David Bradshaw Pearlstone of Monroe, Leslie Pearlstone Shain of Wilton and Martha Pearlstone Borrero of Wilton; 11 treasured grandchildren; 12 beloved nieces and nephews; and one great granddaughter.

Dr. Pearlstone will be entombed next to his wife in Oak Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum in a private family ceremony. The family received those wishing to extend condolences in person via drive-thru May 26 at The Pearl in Westport.

Contributions in Dr. Pearlstone’s memory may be sent to AmeriCares Free Clinics, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902 or via www.americaresfreeclinics.org.

To send an online condolence, visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.