Arthur "Art" Dworkin

Arthur S. “Art” Dworkin was born on September 27, 1927, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Rose and Isidore Dworkin, and grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey. He graduated from Weehawken High School and went on to attend Syracuse University. His studies were briefly interrupted between his freshman and sophomore years when he was drafted near the end of World War II. 

Art served honorably in the United States Army Air Force Division and was stationed in Nome, Alaska, where he worked as a cryptographic technician. Following his service, he returned to Syracuse University and completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, later earning a Master of Science in Chemistry from Cornell University. 

In 1951, Art moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he began a 38-year career in the Chemistry Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). His research focused on molten salt chemistry and thermochemistry, and he co-authored approximately 40 scientific publications over the course of his career. 

It was at ORNL that Art met his future wife, Zella Bonner, who also worked in the Chemistry Division. Art and Zella married in 1956 and raised their son, Martin (“Marty”) Dworkin. They shared a loving and fulfilling life until Zella’s passing in 1983 after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. 

Outside of work, Art was a man of boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved theater, music, travel, sports- particularly tennis and baseball, hiking, reading, and lively conversations about politics and current events. Art was a life-long Dodgers baseball fan and was thrilled to watch them win in this year’s World Series. Art served on the boards of both the Oak Ridge Playhouse and the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (ORCMA) and was an active member of the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge (JCOR). 

Of all his many interests, community theater held a special place in Art’s heart. From his first play in 1954 to his last in 2009, he appeared in about 50 productions — many of them at the Oak Ridge Playhouse. His performances ranged from Shakespearean dramas to lighthearted comedies and musicals, including memorable roles in Hamlet, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Talley’s Folly, I’m Not Rappaport, and Little Shop of Horrors. Whether on stage or in the audience, Art found joy in the creativity and connection that theater brings to a community. 

In his later years, Art was blessed to share 24 wonderful years with his loving companion, Frances (“Fran”) Silver. Together they built a life full of laughter, travel, and affection — a partnership that brought great happiness to both their families. Through Fran, Art gained a “bonus family” that became an integral and deeply cherished part of his life: Fran’s daughter Carolyn (“Chaya”) Silver and her children Maxwell (“Max”) Kromash (wife Rachelle and daughters Elouise and Stella), Silver Alford, and Emma Parrott (husband Caleb Parrott). 

Art was lovingly adopted by Fran’s family as “Zaydeh Art,” a treasured grandfather figure whose warmth, humor, and kindness made every family gathering brighter. After Fran’s passing, Art remained close with her family, who continued to return the love he had shown them. In particular, Emma and her husband Caleb offered devoted support and companionship in Art’s later years — a source of comfort that meant the world to him. Art is survived by his son, Martin “Marty” Dworkin, and his wife Rhonda of Tucker, Georgia; his grandchildren, Sam and Leanna; his sister, Elaine Ravich of Greater Los Angeles, CA; and his brother, David Dworkin, and wife Susan of Warwick, New York. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even great-great-nieces and nephews — all of whom he celebrated and kept close throughout his life.

Art will be remembered for his sharp intellect, gentle spirit, and unshakable zest for life. Whether through science, theater, or the simple joy of connecting with others, he lived each day with curiosity, compassion, and gratitude. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Ridge Playhouse or the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (ORCMA) in honor of Art’s lifelong love of the arts. 

May his memory be a blessing.