Dr. J. Arthur Riesenberg Will Be Missed

by: Bill Liblick

Dr. J. Arthur Riesenberg was a unique man. He was a medical practitioner who went beyond the call of duty for his patients. He was respected and loved by all who knew him.  That is why a chill went through the spine of Sullivan County residents when they learned of his recent passing.

A memorial service held last Sunday at CRMC paying tribute to our longest running full-time medical practitioner brought tears, and laughter to those in attendance. As several hundred heard speaker after speaker eulogize Dr. Riesenberg, it was obvious that a great part of Sullivan County’s landscape will be gone forever.  

What made Dr. Riesenberg stand out amongst other doctors was his commitment to seeing that his patients received the best medical attention no matter their age or economic status. He was a true advocate for those seeking medical attention.   

Like a true public servant, he was out in the rain, sleet and snow caring for his patients. There have been documented stories that he used a snowmobile to make his rounds at the hospital, because the road conditions were too poor for a vehicle to travel.

Until the very end, he still made house calls to those patients who were too ill to see him in his office. How rare was that in these day and ages?

A true class act, Dr. Riesenberg, known as “Archie” to all who knew and loved him, was always well groomed and immaculately dressed.  He consistently wore a suit and tie, and was scented with the most expensive cologne.

Sullivan County businessman and philanthropist Alan Gerry who was a close life long friend of Dr. Riesenberg’s spoke about his flawless look. In reminiscing on their personal relationship, Gerry said, “Archie once told me he would not take off his suit and tie until 3 or 4 am, because usually by then there would be no house calls.”

Gerry noted that Dr. Riesenberg was strongly opinionated and always insisted that things be done only his way. “Archie would tell me there are two sides to the story, tell me the other side,” Gerry quipped.

Dr. Riesenberg was a family man who was deeply in love with his wife Anne, his three children, Robert, Amy and Cindi, and his grandchildren. People would always see him driving through Sullivan County with his beloved poodle Chelsea next to him.

The love he had towards his family spilled over towards everyone he touched. Dr. Riesenberg was a remarkable individual, whose dedication to the medical profession and his patients will be sorely missed. His care and desire to help those in need should be a lesson for all of us.

What made Dr. Riesenberg unparalleled amongst other medical practitioners was the quality of treatment and attention he gave his patients. His aggressive medical procedures saved many lives.

I will never forget the medical attention he gave my now deceased aunt Yetta. While other doctors would have walked away, not only did he give her a quality of life, but he treated her with such love, compassion, dignity and respect. Her age did not matter to him - it was proper medical care which did.

Sullivan County legislator Jodi Goodman speaking at the memorial service, noted that the medical staff at CRMC often came to blows with Dr. Riesenberg, because he wanted things done his way. “They all knew he was a special person who loved his patients.” 

Goodman told the story of a nurse who often battled with Dr. Riesenberg - but said her attitude towards him immediately changed after she saw him one day with a dying patient. “Archie sat with her holding her hand and kept caressing her. He was such a remarkable person,” a teary eyed Goodman reflected.

Besides practicing medicine, Dr. Riesenberg had many talents. He loved to sing the song “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey – Won’t You Come Home,” and often sang it for anyone who would listen.

Dr. J. Arthur Riesenberg is now at home in heaven looking down upon all of us.

May he Rest in Peace.

Email Bill