Birth date: Jun 8, 1911 Death date: Oct 11, 2013
Joseph Hecht, age 102 of Delray Beach, Florida died Friday October 11, 2013 at Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach, Florida. Graveside services will be held Monday October 14, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Palm Beach Memorial Park Cemetery, Read Obituary
Lee's Eulogy of His Father
I notice that we have a rather sparse turn-out today, but believe me, that does not reflect badly on my father. My Dad bought this burial site in 1978, 35 years ago. If he had died shortly after that, this place would be mobbed today. The simple truth is that he outlived almost everyone he knew. And it was a long and good life for him.
A few years ago ago my father had eye surgery, which was not successful. It left him nearly completely blind. It was very depressing for him, and he often became grumpy. However, every once in a while he would think something was funny and a smile would cross his face, a simply devilish little smile. This would remind me of how my Dad lived most of his life, and it is how I will always remember him.
If you were to ask anyone about my parent's relationship, the 1 thing they all would say is how my father doted on my mother. They were married for 67 years. A lot of people don't even live that long, so they were both blessed in being able to have each other for so long. My father prepared meals for Mom, he gave her her medications, and he did a lot of the housecleaning. He did all this even when he could barely see, not necessarily the smartest or safest thing to do, but it showed how he cherished his wife. It also showed how proud a man he was. My father was also an avid bowler, bowling regularly in a senior league well into his 90's. You would think that his eyesight would have caused him to stop. But that was not it at all. He stopped bowling because he did not want to leave my Mom alone at home. She used to go to the alleys with him, but she had back problems and found it hard to go out. So he always stayed with her. They were rarely ever apart and rarely ever had an argument, the most loving couple I have ever seen.
Many of you may remember my Dad for his quote unquote penny pinching ways - taking the sweet and lows from restaurants, reusing paper plates, and a host of other minor offenses. But the best financial decision he ever made, and it caused him to spend money, was to prepay for this burial plot and the funeral services. It is something for all of us to think about.
Rest in peace Dad. I know you can see and hear again now.
