Arnold Greenberg West Hartford CT Death and Obituary – Arnold Greenberg, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on April 12, 2015, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of a remarkable life, characterized by entrepreneurial success, philanthropy, and a commitment to family and community. Greenberg’s influence extended far beyond the business world, shaping both the local community and the national cultural landscape.
Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Greenberg was raised with a strong sense of purpose, instilled with values of hard work, education, and heritage. His father, Maurice Greenberg, founded a family business that would serve as the foundation of Arnold’s future success. After completing his legal studies, Arnold worked briefly as a lawyer, but in 1966, he made the pivotal decision to join his family’s company, Coleco Industries. This move would alter the trajectory of both his career and the company, positioning him at the forefront of several industry innovations.
Under Arnold Greenberg’s leadership, Coleco transitioned from manufacturing leather goods and above-ground swimming pools to becoming a dominant force in the video game industry. In 1975, Greenberg recognized the untapped potential of the gaming market and led the company to develop the Telstar video game console. This was the beginning of Coleco’s successful foray into video games, culminating in the release of the ColecoVision home console in the early 1980s. The ColecoVision was a major success, offering consumers arcade-quality games in their own homes, and the company’s acquisition of the licensing rights to Nintendo’s Donkey Kong was a key factor in its success.
While Greenberg’s leadership brought major achievements to Coleco, not all of his ventures met with the same success. The Adam Computer, launched in 1983, was rushed to market and failed to meet expectations, resulting in significant financial losses for Coleco. However, Greenberg’s ability to rebound from setbacks demonstrated his resilience and unwavering commitment to innovation. Despite challenges, he remained a driving force behind the company’s future ventures and sought out new avenues for growth.
One of Greenberg’s most culturally significant achievements came in 1983 when he acquired the Cabbage Patch Kids doll line. The dolls, with their unique adoption-based concept, became a national sensation. Their success highlighted Greenberg’s extraordinary marketing acumen and his ability to tap into consumer emotions, shaping the toy industry in profound ways and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of collectibles.
In addition to his business endeavors, Greenberg was an active philanthropist, dedicating significant time and resources to supporting his community. His most notable philanthropic achievement was the founding of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford in 1985, named in honor of his father. He also served as a Life Trustee at the Hartford Stage and supported numerous other civic and cultural organizations.
On a personal level, Greenberg’s life was characterized by strong family bonds. He was married to Beverly Greenberg for 53 years, and together, they raised two daughters, Dana and Sara. Arnold was also a proud grandfather to Joshua and Lily Shafer. He shared a particularly close relationship with his brother, Leonard Greenberg, who was not only a sibling but also a key collaborator in both business and philanthropy.
Arnold Greenberg’s legacy endures through the businesses he built, the institutions he supported, and the lives he touched. His vision, innovation, and generosity have left an indelible mark on his community and the industries he influenced. Though his passing in 2015 was a significant loss, his impact will continue to inspire future generations.