Arthur I. Meyer (1916-2008) was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He earned an accounting degree from New York University and in 1938 a law degree from New York University School of Law. During World War II, Meyer earned an engineering degree from Yale University and converted his cutlery factory in Queens, New York, to manufacture products for the war effort.
Sydelle Fisher (1925- ) was born in Manhattan, New York, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in psychology. After she married Meyer in 1947, she earned a master’s degree in education in a joint program from Sarah Lawrence College and New York University. Sydelle taught third grade for several years in Harrison, New York, and was national vice president of the American Jewish Congress.
Meyer founded Servico, Inc. in the 1950s, a hospitality firm that he sold in 1985. He invested in various businesses and developed residential properties nationwide, including the Devonshire community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Meyers visited Palm Beach seasonally for many years before moving permanently in 1972. They contributed to many local organizations, which they also supported through their leadership, including the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, the Norton Museum of Art, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Community Chest/United Way, Ballet Florida, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and the South Florida Science Museum.
Recognition of the Meyers’ gifts includes naming of the Sydelle and Arthur I. Meyer Gallery at the Norton Museum of Art, the Meyer Amphitheatre on Flagler Drive, Meyer Hall at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy Day School at the Kaplan Center. They are also recipients of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Humanitarian Award. Sydelle Meyer was presented with the Women of Distinction Award from Palm Beach Atlantic University, when she remarked, “The best use of life is to invest in something that will outlast life. “