Mac Haddad

HADDAD--Mac A., passed away on May 8, 2009 at the age of 100. Born in Aleppo, Syria, he arrived in America as an infant in 1910. Raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side tenements, he went to work at the age of 13 to help support his family of 12. He served this country as a sergeant in World War II, as a machine gunner in North Africa and Italy. In 1947, he and his brothers Hy and Joe founded Haddad Brothers, Inc., a children's wear company. Devoted to serving his community, he was an officer and significant contributor to the building of Congregation Shaare Zion, a founder of Congregation Beth Torah in Brooklyn, and President of Magen David Synagogue of Bradley Beach, NJ. He was tireless in his efforts on behalf of Camp Seven and Sephardic Renaissance, both of which served underprivileged children. He was a Past Master Mason. He neither asked for nor sought recognition for his many acts of charity, benevolence and kindness. A self-made man with integrity, character, warmth and humor, he was rarely seen without his cigar. He was a shining example of the "Greatest Generation" and his passing marks an end of an era. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mona, and four children Barbara, Alan, Lori, and Mitchell, his 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, two brothers and three sisters. Dad, you are our hero and role model. Your love, generosity, wisdom, humor and kindness will be greatly missed. You made the world a better place for all those who had the good fortune to know you. We promise that the glowing embers of your precious memory will forever burn in our hearts - bringing with it the warmth and comfort of your everlasting love, broad smile and eternal blessings.