Dad lived a long, contented life with his beloved Malka, surrounded and loved
by his brother Jerry, me, Mark and many friends and family members. He
adored his grandkids, Brooke and Blake, both of whom he put through college.
To know my father was to love him, and many did. Here’s the eulogy I wrote for
him that Mark read at his funeral in February 2007:
by his brother Jerry, me, Mark and many friends and family members. He
adored his grandkids, Brooke and Blake, both of whom he put through college.
To know my father was to love him, and many did. Here’s the eulogy I wrote for
him that Mark read at his funeral in February 2007:
Dad was not a complicated man, but he could work out the most convoluted
deals in real estate and other investments. I was always amazed when I heard
him chatter on about property trades, 2nd and 3rd mortgages and other financial
trigonometry I could not understand. For a working man, he amassed an empire
that might impress others with more education and worldly talents. It impressed
Dad only because it represented security for his family.
If Dad was a saint, he was a feisty and flirtatious one. In his red scooter, he
could be very bad, zooming around the streets of Beverly Hills on x-rated rides,
even bringing home guests with backgrounds some might call unsavory. At
Fairwinds, the assisted living home where he couldn’t get the knack of following
the rules, he held court with a bevy of ladies and got busted for racing around
the lobby in that red scooter.
Dad always looked at the bright side of life. Even toward the end, when he could
barely walk, see or do many of the things we all take for granted, he would
always say, “I can’t complain.” The only small grumble he had was missing Mom
for the past 5 years. When any of us let him know we’d be coming for a visit, he
would always say, “Oh that would be wonderful. I’ll treat you to lunch.” For us,
the best treat was having someone in our lives who was always there for us.
Dad lived a long, happy life that was complete for him because it included
hundreds of mitzvahs for those around him. He was a role model as a husband,
father, grandfather, brother and friend. On his granddaughter’s My Space page,
you can read this tribute: it says My hero: my grandpa. We will all miss Dad, but
we’ll always be grateful for having him in our lives.
 |
| Brooke & Dad |
| Dad's 85th birthday party |
Mark & Dad
| February 24, 2007 Dear Grandpa, Current mood: sad You always said you had nothing to complain about because you had a great family. The truth is, you had plenty to complain about, but you were such a positive, loving person, you were able to focus on what truly mattered. Love, Brooke P.S. Say Hi to Grandma for me. |
The most eloquent words can’t describe my dad—you just had to meet him to
know special he was. If you never had that pleasure, I will try to tell you a little bit
about him.
Although he lacked a university degree, never lit the corporate world on fire and
frequently told me, “I’m not smart enough to know the answer to that,” my father
was a brilliant man when it came to accomplishing his goals. These can be summed
up very simply, for Dad really had only one aim in life: to make sure everyone he
cared deeply about was provided for to the best of his abilities.
From caring for his beloved “Malka” to providing for his grandkids’ college
educations and his entire family’s financial security, Dad took care of everyone.
When his brother Bernie was sick for 40 years, not a Tuesday night went by when he
and Uncle Jerry did not visit the hospital.
When my girlfriend Marlene was struggling, Dad said, “I’d like to do something nice
for your friend.” I said she needed a new bike, since the frame on hers had cracked.
Without hesitation, Dad got out his checkbook and made a donation for the cause.
Dad helped his own friends as well, and he was the “go-to” man when a few were
down on their luck.
Dad’s generosity extended to Marisely and her family. That was kindness well
placed, for our family was blessed with many extra years with both Mom and Dad
thanks to the loving care Marisely provided for "Mr. Milton" and "Mrs. Malene."
In tough emotional times, Dad was my rock—always there to provide
encouragement and reassurance. He never cared what the neighbors thought or
what personal sacrifices he might have to make. Even on the night before my
wedding, when everything was paid for and in place and I came crying to him with
doubt and insecurity, he said, “You know, we can still cancel the wedding.”
For Dad, everyone else’s comfort and security was always more important than his.
own.
know special he was. If you never had that pleasure, I will try to tell you a little bit
about him.
Although he lacked a university degree, never lit the corporate world on fire and
frequently told me, “I’m not smart enough to know the answer to that,” my father
was a brilliant man when it came to accomplishing his goals. These can be summed
up very simply, for Dad really had only one aim in life: to make sure everyone he
cared deeply about was provided for to the best of his abilities.
From caring for his beloved “Malka” to providing for his grandkids’ college
educations and his entire family’s financial security, Dad took care of everyone.
When his brother Bernie was sick for 40 years, not a Tuesday night went by when he
and Uncle Jerry did not visit the hospital.
When my girlfriend Marlene was struggling, Dad said, “I’d like to do something nice
for your friend.” I said she needed a new bike, since the frame on hers had cracked.
Without hesitation, Dad got out his checkbook and made a donation for the cause.
Dad helped his own friends as well, and he was the “go-to” man when a few were
down on their luck.
Dad’s generosity extended to Marisely and her family. That was kindness well
placed, for our family was blessed with many extra years with both Mom and Dad
thanks to the loving care Marisely provided for "Mr. Milton" and "Mrs. Malene."
In tough emotional times, Dad was my rock—always there to provide
encouragement and reassurance. He never cared what the neighbors thought or
what personal sacrifices he might have to make. Even on the night before my
wedding, when everything was paid for and in place and I came crying to him with
doubt and insecurity, he said, “You know, we can still cancel the wedding.”
For Dad, everyone else’s comfort and security was always more important than his.
own.
Me, Blake & Dad
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