Arthur R. Falconer, 1943-2023

Arthur R. Falconer, 79, died peacefully at his home in Lake Wales, Florida on May 8, 2023.

He was born on October 5, 1943 in East Orange, New Jersey. Art was a teacher at McLaughlin Middle School for 32 years, from 1973 until 2003, before retired. After retired from the Polk County School Board, he taught Geography at Polk State College and Warner Southern University.

Art was passionate about sharing his love of geography and the natural world and helping students find their love of the subject as well. He found joy in his students and enjoyed following their successes after their graduation. He remained a beloved educator in Lake Wales and was eagerly engaged in community presentations and learning events when available. In the mid-eighties, he was the recipient of Florida's Teacher of the Year award.

Following retirement, Arts love of cooking, stamp collecting, photography, traveling, and artifact collecting kept him engaged with the local Lake Wales community and places beyond.

In death, Art now joins his beloved wife Judy, who left this world too soon in 1990. Art is profoundly missed by his daughter, Jennifer of Lake Wales; son, Christopher of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; sister, Susan Perillo of Chatham, New Jersey; granddaughter, Parker Schifini, the daughter of Christopher; nephews, Daniel Perillo of Chatham, New Jersey, and Warren Perillo of New Providence, New Jersey; and great-nephew, Mathew of New Providence, New Jersey.

Arts celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the causes Art was passionate about and supported: World Wildlife Association (www.worldwildlife.org), National Audubon Society (www.audubon.org), or the Humane Society of Winter Haven (www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org).