RGINTEANU, Jules, lived his 88 years as a man of strong opinions and passions. He was skeptical of authority, intensely loyal to those close to him and a staunch fighter for the underdog.
He loved each of his four children and saw in them their best selves. He adored his grandchildren. He also was a mentor to a number of young men working through life challenges.
Jules had a sharp mind, a wry sense of humor and a deep and abiding commitment to social justice, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was a shrewd judge of character; he did not suffer pretentiousness or arrogance, and quickly saw through a smooth exterior.
An inveterate comparison shopper, he frequented yard sales, thrift shops and discount stores, often coming home with odd gadgets or unique treasures such as a commemorative plate of the (hated) Richard Nixon for $1 or a statue of the Infant of Prague.
He loved music, played the banjo (old-time, folk) and guitar (aspirational flamenco) and helped found the Richmond Jazz Society.
After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, he worked as a clinical psychologist, treating patients, teaching a variety of students and supervising medical students and residents. He was a demanding but devoted advocate for students. He spent most of his career at MCV (1964 to ’86), where, under his leadership, the division of psychology implemented an APÁ-approved psychology internship. He retired in 2004. He died as he lived, on his own terms.
Jules is survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Elizabeth (Jodi Samuda), David (Alexandra Bainbridge) and Judy (Dan Welch); grandchildren, Max Arginteanu and Paxton Arginteanu Samuda; and first wife, Mary Arginteanu. His son, Seth, died in 1980.
