A.B. Shuman: 1941-2013
Arnold Baer Shuman, better known as 'A.B.,' the previous Naval Aviator and hot-rodder who was generally regarded as the automobile industry's best product public-relations man, died instantly Friday at his home in Hillsdale, N.J. He was 72. The reason for death was not declared.
Shuman was the best product spokesman for Mercedes-Benz of North America from time he joined the organization in 1972 till he took early retirement in 1995. A indigenous of Sharon, Mass., Shuman spent the next five years in the Navy and graduated from Tufts University in 1962, together with the bulk of his service time spent as the pilot of a P2V Neptune patrol aircraft.
Like a adolescent Shuman was an early adherent of the 1950's hot-rod movement in New England, which he described in 'Cool Cars and Square Rollbars,' a he and his brother wrote and A.B. self-published in his retirement. He was also part owner and crew chief of a Chevrolet-engined streamliner which ran in the Bonneville Salt Flats, leading 300 miles each hour last fall.
Shuman joined the Petersen Publishing Company in La in 1967 and worked in various editorial capacities at Car Craft, Motor Trend and Hot Rod until visiting Mercedes in 1972.
Shuman is survived by his wife, Lois; sons David and Scott; a sister, Nancy Black of Fla., Boynton Beach, and a, Bernard, of Foxboro, Mass. Funeral arrangements were personal. A memorial service is planned for May 31. The place will be announced at a later date.
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