A look back: Remembering the impact of Arthur Stumpf
In July, a dear friend of the House, Arthur Stumpf, passed away from cancer. As a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Negotiator Trainer, Arthur supported those who needed it most – including families at RMHC.
Each month, Arthur would deliver chicken parmesan from Bartolino’s Osteria to the Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House with his friends from the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (SMOTJ). An organization that “promotes love and respect in the community.”
“He was a friendly and caring man,” says John Avery, fellow SMOTJ member. “We became close friends through RMHC.”
The members of SMOTJ have been providing meals since 2000. When the COVID-19 pandemic suspended the Meals from the Heart program and volunteers were no longer able to cook in the House, Arthur made sure that dinner would still be served to guest families.
“Art was a guy who never liked change. He would always stick with chicken parmesan for Ronald McDonald House,” says Bart Saracino, owner of Bartolino’s Osteria. Bart explained that he was friends with Arthur for over 40 years and developed a great relationship with his family.
John and his wife, Peggie, along with other members of SMOTJ, will continue the long-standing tradition of delivering monthly meals to families at the Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House, along with providing breakfast at the West County Ronald McDonald House.
At RMHC, we are honored to call Arthur a friend. His work touched countless lives in the community and thousands of families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
“Art was a kind gentleman who would do anything to help others,” says Bart, thinking back on many years of friendship. “He put everyone before himself.”