Arthur H. Rotstein, 74, a longtime journalist who was passionate about the pursuit of truth and freedom of the press, died July 20, 2020 of COVID-19.
Mr. Rotstein was a Chicago native who earned his undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Missouri and his master’s in journalism at Northwestern University. He worked for the Associated Press for 35 years, most of the time serving as its Tucson correspondent until he retired in 2010. He was especially proud of his extensive coverage of the UA transplant and artificial heart program headed by Dr. Jack Copeland. Later, he became Copeland’s patient, undergoing two open-heart surgeries. Mr. Rotstein mentored young journalists and covered a wide range of news and sports stories across Southern Arizona.
Survivors include his wife of almost 49 years, Debby; daughter, Rebekah of Denver; and sisters, Susan Topor of San Francisco and Charlotte David of Chicago.
Services were held at Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, with Rabbi Scott Saulson of Temple Emanu-El officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 research, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the ACLU, or Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona. Friends may send their memories to his family at rememberingart@gmail.com.
