Arthur James Washington, of Kingston, NY was born in Kingston, NY on February 11, 1950, to the late Jeanette Enty Ray and William P. Washington. He departed this life on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at NY Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY while surrounded by loved ones.

Arthur was a member of Riverview Missionary Baptist Church where he enjoyed serving in the Men’s Ministry and the Culinary Ministry. He was a former Trustee at New Central Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully for many years. Arthur was committed to serving others. He enjoyed cruising the open seas and was looking forward to the next one.

He attended school in the Kingston City School District. After High School Arthur worked at Sam Day’s then Perry’s Automotive on Broadway. Not one to be idle, Arthur always kept himself busy, working at the Governor Clinton Hotel, at the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and as a Volunteer Firefighter. He also worked as a Private Investigator, with his very good friend, Thomas Kearney at TR Kearney & Associates for many years. The two of them were often referred to as Starsky and Hutch by those close to them. As a Private Investigator, Arthur worked on many high-profile criminal defense cases throughout this area. When that business dissolved, Arthur was hired as the Maintenance Supervisor for the Pine Street Professional Park. Arthur had a beautiful heart and to say he loved to cook is an understatement. Cooking was his passion! In fact, it’s what he did in his “leisure” time. Sunday dinner at his house with family was something we all looked forward to. The echo of the name “Papa,” throughout the house brought him great joy! He has catered for many events for various churches and organizations in the Catskill Region. He even catered a wedding for a member of the Schwarzenegger family. Arthur was the owner/operator of the former BBQ Pit, a soul food restaurant in Kingston, NY until health issues caused him to retire. Arthur continued to keep himself busy throughout his retirement. Up until his passing, he had been the Maintenance Supervisor for several buildings in uptown Kingston.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Dawn R. Washington of Maryland, Tawana R. Washington of Kingston, NY, Lashon Blanch (Keith) of Port Ewen, NY. Three sons, Alonzo Gray (Tamisha) of Kingston, NY, Daniel Tyrone Washington (Angela) of Port Ewen, NY and Jeremy King (Venessa) of California; his bonus children, Janie Landerway (Darren) of Port Ewen, NY and James “Jamo” Landerway (Brenda) of Kingston, NY. Six brothers; his twin, Ronald Washington (JoAnn) of Virginia, William “Billy” Washington of Florida, Roy Washington (Sasha) of South Carolina, Allen Washington (Marlene) of Saugerties, NY, Dennis Washington (Teresa) of Kingston, NY and Lester Washington (Nadine) of North Carolina; Four sisters; Dina Washington of Kingston, NY, Tonis Washington of Virginia, Dawn A. Thomas (Stephen) and Debbie Stevens (Gregory) of Maryland, 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; 5 godchildren; Fabian Marshall, Kijafa Boler, Miani Cook, Amadaya Girard and Beatrice Greene; Godsister, Diane Moore; His loyal cousin, Alfred Drake, Sr., his Aunts, Audrey VanDemark and Agnes Washington; His first wife and longtime friend, Betty Washington as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Arthur was predeceased by an infant daughter, a son, Arthur D. Washington, II; a sister, Anna Jean Washington Payne. a sister-in-law, M. Harriet Washington and his Godparents, Arthur D. Washington I (Uncle Dave) and Hattie May Washington.