Israel Feld born May 1, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, passed peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2020 in Columbus Ohio. Survived by his four children – Susan Alexander, Ellen Varitimos, Eric Feld, and Robin Scott; step-son – Adam Schecter; his seven grandchildren – Jane Alexander, Rachel Varitimos, Emmit Varitimos, Julie Grice, Marisa Feld, Alison Scott and Jonathan Scott and his four great-grandchildren – Sophia and Camila (Alexander) Lopez, Mae and Rose Grice. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Haffner and brothers David and Sam Feld. Israel remarried in 1985 to Sandy Schecter.
Israel was a kind, generous, loving man; a man of great work-ethic, integrity, family devotion and loyalty. Known for his quirky sense-of-humor, Israel befriended most anyone he came in contact with. Israel was also known for his strength and resilience. Overcoming a tough childhood; he lost his mother at 7 years old and he and his brothers were put into an orphanage and then foster care. Despite these challenges, he pursued his education going to Brooklyn College at night while he worked during the day. It was at Brooklyn College where he met his wife, Judy who to his dying day meant so much to him. Unfortunately, Judy died of brain cancer in 1983 leaving Israel with a giant hole in his heart, one that never stopped aching for her.
Israel had a strong desire to “give back”. In 1968, he arranged to foster a young man, Schmuel Rosensweig who lived with the family until their move to Kentucky. Israel was frequently President of the Synagogues Men’s Association, was often a “big brother”, visited people in nursing homes and helped young people to improve their reading skills.
Israel was a chemist in the paint/varnish industry. His career was marked by numerous moves taking his family from New York, to New Jersey, to California, to Massachusetts, to Maryland, to Kentucky and back to New Jersey. Israel’s life was pretty simple – worked hard and took care of his family. He enjoyed tennis and bridge, and his later years traveling abroad.
Israel will be cremated and buried next to his beloved wife, Judy, at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin, NJ. A service at a date to be determined will be performed at their gravesite. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Association http://act.alz.org/donate or American Brain Tumor Association http://give.abta.org/donate