GORHAM – Arnold John Fuchs died Jan. 17, 2012, with his wife and friends by his side, at Barron Center, Portland. He was born May 26, 1928, in Breslau, Germany, the only child of Heinrich Fuchs and Gertrude Strumpf Fuchs.
In 1939 the family emigrated from Germany to Shanghai, for the duration of World War II. He was educated at Saint Francis Xavier High School, Shanghai. After immigrating to the U.S. he lived in New York City and graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1953. He received his undergraduate degree from Hunter College, cum laude in 1958 and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Adelphi University in 1962. Arnold moved to Maine and worked at Maine Medical Center between 1963 and 1972 as one of the hospital’s first psychologists. He participated in the formation of the first community mental health clinic in Maine. He served as director of day treatment from 1969 to 1972. He worked for the state of Maine as a forensic psychologist until his retirement in 1994, but maintained a private practice for several more years. Arnold married Cyrene Slegona of Lincolnville in 1984 in Portland. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends with dinners and conversation, and travel through Maine and Europe. They were partners in everything they did including dealing with his long-term illness. Arnold was a gentle and considerate husband, friend and colleague. His sardonic wit and broad interests made time spent with him engaging. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye that told friends and family that something was about to be said or done that created laughter. He served on numerous committees and boards to further advance the wellbeing of the community.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Cyrene of Gorham; daughter by his first marriage, Cornelia Fuchs and grandchildren, Karl and Anna Fisher, of Portland; cousin, Suzanne Garcia of Germany; sister-in-law, Frances Rice and husband, George, of Broomfield, Colo.; nephew, Andrew Rice of Lakewood, Colo.; and niece, Kimberly Rice Berg of San Francisco.
A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held 1 p.m. June 24 at Lincolnville United Christian Church, Lincolnville. All are welcome. Remembrance donations may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.