Update 1-24-12

Hi,

There were a lot of nice tributes to Hy Rosov on Facebook, but before looking at some of those, here's one Eric Hilton sent here.

From Eric:   I attended the funeral and am still in Boca Raton.  It was a wonderful turnout, with many friends and family.  The chapel was filled with people, and you could feel the enormous love for this man. 
    Hy's wife, the rabbi, and one of Hy's best friends spoke about how special Hy was.  But Hy's daughter gave the most beautiful eulogy about his life, and she detailed the last ten days she spent with him, singing, talking, and laughing.  His daughter’s eulogy was not sad, but instead was a tribute and testimonial to a wonderful father, teacher, and special human being.  He will truly be missed. 
    She asked if I wanted to say something, and I am normally not at a loss for words, but yesterday, words failed me, and I just wanted to listen.  Now, I am very sorry I didn't speak because I probably could have spoken for all of us from South High.  But I know Hy and his family already know our true feelings.
    I didn't go to the cemetery as I am too emotional -- I cry at the movie The Parent Trap -- and I know I would have been too saddened.  So I went back to my cousin's home and had some wine.  I'm heading back to Sarasota soon, crossing the seventy-five miles of Alligator Alley, listening to the Doobie Brothers, and reflecting on a special friend and teacher who we all will remember fondly.

From Facebook:

From Jillian Menaged, Hy's granddaughter:  Peacefully, Saturday morning, Chaim passed -- only the holiest of people pass away on Sabbath.  He was so happy to know, hear, and speak to the people who really cared about him and showed him love.  He was an amazing man who touched so many lives, and he will truly be missed.  We love you, Papa Hy.

From Donald Krendel:  You left us on Saturday morning, "Chief," to continue your journey.  I'm so glad I got to speak to you one last time.  Forgive me for not returning to Florida to visit with you and to bring you your favorite chocolate chip cookies from Publix.  While you are not able to be here with us in person, you will always be alive in our hearts and in our minds.  When I stop and close my eyes and remember you, it will always bring to mind a wonderful friend, a great man, and a kind, warm-hearted person.  Thank you for being a part of my life.  Thank you for the friendship.  And thank you for the memories that will always be with me.  Until we see each other again one day, good-bye, my friend.

From Jeanne Stibman Holden:  So many memories.  I took several summer courses with Uncle Hy, simply because I enjoyed learning with him.  And he stayed in touch with so many of us.  His memory will truly be a blessing.

From Dianne Rodriguez, pastor at First Parish Church UCC:  I was truly touched to be able to thank him and tell him how much he was loved before he died.  Thank you for inviting us into your life.  Be well and sing his song of joy of life always!

From Booker T. Gibson:  Hy was so easy to appreciate and love.  We'll always think of him.

From Steven Roseman:  My memorial to you is that I live my life and have reared my family according to the precepts you taught me when my father died.  Your influence has helped me to teach not only my children about Judaism, but the next generation, too.  I will pick up and carry the torch to the next generation by teaching them what you, my mentor and friend, taught me about life.

And, from the wonders of the Internet, Joanne Shapiro Polner unearthed this curious mistake:  Hiram Rosov, 1960 graduate of Valley Stream South High School in Valley Stream, New York.

Someone also suggested that we print out the newsletters about Hy Rosov and mail them to his wife, so she can read them again later.  But since so many of the tributes came from Facebook, and since Hy's granddaughter has already printed out some of the earlier notes, I suspect she's doing the same with these.

Completely unrelated, and more cheerful, from Emily Kleinman Schreiber:  By the way, Booker Gibson hasn't stopped playing his piano.  He's just retired from playing at the Irish Coffee Pub.  I thought you all should know that.

[Rich -- That's great.  Now, we'll all should gather and serenade at his front door, hoping he'll play along.]

Finally, Barbara Blitfield Pech just sent this, which she titled "Last Minute Happy Note." 
    At one time, we had a discussion in the newsletter about long-gone foods, including Sunshine Bakers Raisin Cookies.  I am deliriously happy to learn that The Vermont Country Store -- you can find its web site via the Internet -- carries a taste-alike cookie called "Garibaldi Biscuits."  It's a cookie that's as close as it gets.  "Got Milk?"  Also, the same good people are advertising limited editions of Charles Chips barrel tins, filled with Charles Potato Chips.  "Got beer?"

The South '65 e-mail addresses: reunionclass65 . blogspot . com

The South '65 photo site: picasaweb . google . com / SouthHS65

Again, please delete the spaces.


Rich