Arthur Bluethenthal

Arthur Bluethenthal and Joanne Bluethenthal were pillars of the Greensboro, North Carolina community, each leaving a legacy of service, leadership, and social change.

Arthur Bluethenthal, described as a “reluctant hero,” served as a B-17 Pilot in WWII. After the war, he became a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Arthur ran the Greensboro Bonded Warehouse until it was destroyed by fire in 1970, after which he managed the Pella Window and Door franchise for North Carolina. His commitment to community service was evident through his leadership roles at Temple Emanuel, where he served as Brotherhood President, President, and Board member. Arthur’s devotion extended to the Jewish community, notably as Drive Chairman and Vice President of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. His philanthropic efforts included serving as president and board member of The Green Hill Art Gallery, involvement with the Drug Rehabilitation unit for Alcohol and Drug Services, and board memberships at Guilford College and UNCG’s Weatherspoon Art Gallery. He also led fundraising and service projects for the United Way of Greater Greensboro and co-chaired the Community Relations Committee.

Joanne Kapnek Bluethenthal was a loving matriarch and a transformative figure in North Carolina’s political and cultural landscape. Born in Philadelphia in 1928, she graduated from Pennsylvania State University before moving to Greensboro in 1950 with Arthur. Joanne’s activism began early, involving herself in interracial groups, community organizations, political campaigns, and Jewish institutions. She played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in desegregating public schools, and was appointed to the Guilford County Board of Education during this pivotal era. Joanne participated in sit-ins and helped initiate the first subsidized childcare program in federal public housing. Her leadership helped Greensboro’s peaceful transition to school desegregation, a model later adopted nationally. She served on the Board of Education from 1974 to 1980, with her contributions documented in “Civilities and Civil Rights” by William H. Chafe.

Joanne coined the term “Volunteer Professional” and was honored with numerous awards, including the Nathaniel Green Award, Hannah G. Solomon Award, Alexis de Tocqueville Award, Ben Cohn Sr. Award, Woman of the Year, and the Brotherhood Citation. Her civic engagement spanned United Day Care Services, United Way, Greensboro Nursing Council, Zoning and Planning Commissions, Community Council, Chamber of Commerce, and Public Housing Authority. Joanne also contributed to higher education and the arts, serving on boards at Guilford College, UNC Greensboro, Guilford Technical Community College, and the Eastern Music Festival. Her art collection is displayed at the Greensboro Historical Museum.

Both Arthur and Joanne were deeply committed to their Jewish heritage and community, serving in leadership roles at Temple Emanuel, the Greensboro Jewish Federation, and the National Council of Jewish Women. Their lives exemplified dedication to civic engagement, community building, religious devotion, and social change, leaving an enduring impact on Greensboro and beyond.