Arnold D. Vetstein
A link to view the funeral service can be found here.
Arnold D. Vetstein of Newton and Boston died on December 12, 2022, at the age of 96. Arnold was a long-time practicing dentist in Framingham, a major contributor to organized dentistry, a co-founder of the League School of Greater Boston, and a decorated Korean War veteran. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and commitment to bettering the world.
Arnold grew up in humble beginnings in Roxbury, and through his determination and drive went to Boston Latin School and Tufts Dental School through his service with the Navy V-12 Program. He always said that Boston Latin was the most significant learning experience of his life. He began his military career as a dentist in the Army Dental Corps and was later a battalion dental surgeon during the Korean War. Because of the shortage of medical officers, he took on the dual assignment as battalion surgeon and dental surgeon. His battalion aided the U.S. Marines at the Chosin Reservoir as well as covered the withdrawal from North Korea. His unit was the last out of North Korea. During his time in Korea, he was awarded both the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
In 1955, Arnold opened his dental office in Framingham, where he practiced for 45 years. He also was an assistant clinical professor in prosthetics at Tufts University of Dental Medicine, where he taught for 17 years.
An active member of organized dentistry, Arnold was president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Greater Boston Dental Society, and the West Metropolitan Dental Society. He also was chairman of the Metropolitan District Dental Society. He was appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry by Governor Michael Dukakis for two five-year terms and twice served as board chairman. For more than 20 years, he was an examiner for the Northeast Regional Board.
In 1966, Arnold co-founded the League School of Greater Boston with his wife, the late Leona Fine Vetstein, for children with autism. The school is one of the first in New England for students with autism and serves upward of 100 day and residential students on its Walpole campus.
Arnold is survived by his son, Richard A. Vetstein, of Newton; his daughter, Nancy J. Hershfield, and her husband, Robert S. Hershfield, of Falmouth; and his best pal and grandson, Andrew D. Hershfield of Falmouth. The love of his life, his wife, Leona Fine, predeceased him.
Funeral service at Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 1301 Washington Street, Canton, MA on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm. Interment to follow at Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.
Shiva will follow the service from 3-5 pm at the Beal Family Chapel, at Newbridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA 02026.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the League School of Greater Boston, 300 Boston-Providence Turnpike, East Walpole, MA 02032, or at Leagueschool.org.