Sidney M Israel Class of June 1934

Submitted by Pauline Rute Hall 1952 <Grammypgh@aol.com> on 28/Oct/2010
205.188.116.70

Message:

    Sidney M. Israel, 93, a resident of Newburgh, NY and Delray Beach, Florida, passed away Tuesday (October 26, 2010) at Wheelock Terrace in Hanover, New Hampshire. He died of heart failure. Mr. Israel was born on July 7, 1917 in Newburgh, NY, the only son of Samuel and Bessie Israel. He was a graduate of Ohio State University and pursued graduate studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., which were curtailed when he joined the US Army Air Corp during World War Two. While on leave from the Army he married his high school sweetheart, Hannah Frager, who was serving in the US Navy WAVES. Following discharge, Sidney and Hannah transformed a dry goods business into a department store in Newburgh, NY, serving Hudson Valley residents for over 30 years. Sidney handled all the backroom and accounting functions, expanding the business each year and establishing a second location in Cornwall, NY. His remarkable work ethic, outstanding management skills and investment savvy have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to many. Throughout his life, his support, mentorship and guidance have been helpful to his family and others in the establishment of their careers. These efforts are an important part of his legacy. In Newburgh, Sidney and Hannah raised a family, established deep roots in the community and contributed to numerous causes. Sidney cared deeply about the State of Israel and it was the focus of his philanthropy. In 1975, they retired to Florida, where they became active golfers and contract bridge players. Retirement was a continuous honeymoon of outings, foreign travel and visits to children and grandchildren, always together, never leaving each other's side. The arrival of grandchildren in Florida was always a time of frenetic activity. When the children were young it was petting zoos, searching the course ponds for golf balls while eluding alligators and visits to local u-pick-it farms and orchards. Later these were replaced by golf lessons, deep sea fishing and endless trips to the beach to do nothing. He is survived by three children, Mark Israel of Hanover, NH, Robert Israel of Saratoga Springs and Leslie Goldhar of Winnetka, IL; eight grandchildren; four-great grandchildren and at least one other great grandchild on the way; numerous nephew and nieces and adoring in-laws. He was predeceased last year by his dearest friend, business partner and wife of 64 years, Hannah Frager Israel. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday (October 29, 2010) at the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY(518-584-5373). Burial will follow at the Temple Sinai Cemetery in Moreau, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Israel Cancer Research Fund, 295 Madison Avenue, Suite 1030, New York, NY 10017-7754. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhom.com.