Arnold J. Kroll ’56

Arnie died Jan. 27, 2026, at home in Chestnut Hill, Mass.  

He came to Princeton from Henry Snyder High in Jersey City, where he was valedictorian, editor of the newspaper, a champion gymnast, and all-state trumpet player. He joined Terrace, majored in biology, played in the orchestra, and earned a varsity letter in fencing.  

He then earned a medical degree at Columbia and did his residency in ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. He became a faculty member at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where he pioneered cutting edge surgical techniques. He later served as a clinical professor at Tufts School of Medicine, where he was honored three times as Teacher of the Year. 

Arnie met his wife, Carolyn Shamroth, on a blind date that led to marriage and two daughters, Cindy and Debra, which they raised in Weston and were active in Temple Beth Elohim. His favorite times were on Cape Cod, where he loved being on his boat with family and dogs along with swimming and cooking for everyone. He also sang with a group and was reported to sing love songs to Carolyn every day.  

Arnie is survived by his wife, daughters Cindy and Debra, and grandsons Joshua and Samuel Mandel.