Arthur "Art" Thomas Ladenburg was born December 6, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Thomas and Marie Ladenburg, and spent the first 20 years of his life there. Nebraska never left his heart — he remained a devoted Cornhuskers fan for the rest of his life, known among friends as one of the "ESPN College GameDay Sign Guys" at Memorial Stadium.

Art eventually settled in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife, Kay. He was a generous host who made sure there was always something to drink and good conversation on offer, and friends and family remembered his gentle demeanor, his infectious laughter, and his devotion to his niece Kaydie. He loved talking college football and politics with old friends, and made an impression at the bridge table with the same warmth and kindness he brought everywhere else.

Art died May 28, 2025, at age 85. He is survived by his wife, Kay, and his extended family.