New York—He joined his father’s floor covering business in 1945, started enterprises of his own and enjoyed a successful career that spanned more than 60 years. Arthur Nestler was ambitious and willing to take risks to achieve his goals. He worked to the very last day of his life, which was Sept. 12, when he died of a massive heart attack at his home here. He was 84.

Nestler was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he attended Erasmus Hall High School and played on its basketball. In 1940, he enrolled in Ohio University, but a year later the war started and he enlisted in the Air Force. While in service he played basketball, baseball and football. He suffered a severe leg fracture, was unable to complete the flight program and given a medical discharge in 1944. The following year, he joined his father in George Nestler & Son, a retail operation founded in Brooklyn by his grandfather.

In 1950, Nestler and his father started Livingston Sales, the first distributor in the country of Kentile products, previously sold direct to dealers. Livingston eventually carried Barwick, Crown Tuft, Mastic Tile, Ludlow and Robbins products, among others. In 1954, he and a partner, Harold Metal, formed another company, Coast to Coast Sales, a manufacturer’s rep agency. The company also began making its own products under the name Champion Carpets. In 1966, he sold Livingston Sales to Robbins, which was headed by Poncet Davis, Jr., and focused his attention on Coast to Coast and Champion.

He also owned leased carpet departments in several stores, Martin Paint and Two Guys of Harrison. Marty Sussman was in charge of the concession in Two Guys and when Nestler discontinued the operation, Sussman headed a floor covering department for the store. In 1972, Nestler sold Coast to Coast and Champion to Stephen-Leedom Carpet Co. and became president of the mill. In 1975, he and his son, Mark, formed Nestler Enterprises, which has become a leading manufacturer’s rep firm in the Northeast. Among the companies it represented was Atlas Carpet Mills.

In 1991, at his father’s behest, Mark joined Atlas as vice president of sales and marketing, a position he still holds. Arthur remained active in his company until the day of his fatal heart attack. The 31-year-old company will cease operations, according to his son.

Arthur Nestler was active in the floor covering industry for over 50 years. He was a member and staunch supporter of the Metropolitan Carpet Club of New York and the Long Island Floor Covering Association. His caring and compassion prompted him to initiate the industry’s involvement in the City of Hope. He was uncommonly generous and always ready to help, to answer a need. He was a robust man of impressive stature that still showed signs of his earlier athleticism. He was shy, but his deeds spoke for him.

Survivors include his wife, Ginger, of more than 60 years, his son, Mark, and daughter-in-law, Shari, and grandchildren Jaye, Shawn, Brian, and twins Gregory and Matthew.

Contributions may be made to Fight for Sight, 381 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016.