11/09/01

My dad was truly blessed. Not only did he live a long life, he led a full life, as well. He cherished simple pleasures, the kind that money can't buy. Among my dad's many interests, which included world history, European soccer, writing letters, and following the financial news, he had three loves:
- love of his family
- love of his community
- love of his favorite hobby - chess.
Love of his family was personified each day by his constant devotion to my mom through 51 years of marriage; the devotion and encouragement he gave to Lin and me over the years; and the love he felt for his grandchildren, Daniel and Leah. Your grandfather was impressed with all of your accomplishments, and the fact that you've grown into caring young adults with strong values.

Love of his community was exemplified by his role as an active congregant at the New Milford Jewish Center. In addition to the religious, cultural, and social activities that he participated in, he was known as the "Chairman of the Board" because as long as I can remember, he took great pride in updating the bulletin board in front of the temple each month with announcements of weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, religious services, and the like. The many friends he and my mom made over the years at the Temple have always been, and continue to be, important parts of their lives.

Love of his favorite hobby, chess, brought much happiness to my dad as he gladly handled the responsibilities of playing a major role in running the Dumont, New Jersey Chess Club; traveling to and coordinating tournaments, and writing a newspaper column entitled "Earnest Remarks." He was highly ranked as a player, and the game gave him great joy.

At this time of his passing, we are obviously saddened. I choose, however, to remember the happier times, and urge everybody to celebrate his life. For all of the lives that my dad touched, he was surely a prince. But to me, if I can borrow a term from chess, he was truly a King!