Dr. Arthur Charles Gudikunst {affectionally known as “Art”) passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, and was 80 years old. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and an esteemed member of his community. He was preceded in death by his parents Reno Charles and Grace Virginia Gudikunst and his brother Robert Melvin of Washington, DC.

Art was survived by his devoted wife of 57 years Susan “Sue”) Smither Gudikunst. Beloved sons: Robert Clifton Gudikunst and his wife Nicole of Santa Clarita, CA; Matthew Karl Gudikunst of Columbia, SC., he was the proud grandfather of Patrick Clifton, Lena Evelyn, and Miranda Rose.

Art was born July 8, 1943, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC, while his father was serving in the US Army Air Forces during WW II. He grew up in the Washington, DC area. He was educated at Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he earned a BS in Aerospace Engineering and worked at NASA in the Transonic Wind Tunnel for 3 years. He then went on to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, where he earned a Masters and PhD in Finance.

His career included Chairman of the School of Business at Babson College, Western Kentucky University, and Bryant colleges. During this time, he served on several advisory positions for financial services companies, insurance companies and the KFC Corporation.  He left academia for four years to serve as CFO of Monarch Capital Corporation.  He finished his teaching career at Christopher Newport University where he also taught in the Life Long Learning Program. He served as a trustee for the City of Newport News Employee Investment Fund from 2012 until 2019.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Art’s hobbies and interests over his lifetime included photography distance running, sailing and Civil War history, we also fondly recall our family road trips all over the country. He journeyed to Japan with grandson Patrick to visit Rob while he was deployed there. He and Sue enjoyed cruising and traveled to Hawaii, Great Britian, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. While living in Newport, RI, he was a member of the Newport Sailing Museum where he volunteered to help restore classic sailboats. He was an avid golfer and member of the James River Country Club where he made lifelong friends and countless memorable moments.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice, the dedicated staff at the Gardens and Evergreen at Warwick Forest, and the compassionate members of the Care Givers Support Group. Special thanks to Linda Lutz and the entire care team for their unwavering support and care during Art’s final days.

A private family service is planned.