HARRY HIRSCH Obituary
HIRSCH, HARRY 88 - of Cape May passed away peacefully and with dignity on Saturday, August 20th. Harry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, a deeply admired businessman, and a highly respected member of the Cape May community. Born in Kucow, Poland in 1923, Harry was 15 years old when the Nazi army invaded Poland, and was imprisoned in Auschwitz one year later. He was one of the few members of his entire family of seven to have survived the horrors of the Holocaust. He and his wife, Sophie immigrated to the United States in 1950. After working as a carpenter in Philadelphia, Harry became a chicken farmer in Corbin City, and later owner of an egg and poultry distribution business in Wildwood. In 1966, Harry and Sophie built The Montreal Inn on Beach Drive in Cape May, which became the cornerstone of the Hirsch Group, a real estate development company with interests around Cape May County. In 2010, the Hirsch family paid tribute to its patriarch by naming the Montreal Inn's restaurant "Harry's Ocean Bar and Grille" in his honor. Despite the tragic circumstances of his early years, Harry built for himself a life of hard work, kindness, and virtue. His true passion was his family; he cherished his deep, binding relationship with his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, all of whom will miss him immensely. He is survived by his sons, Larry (Miriam) and Joseph (Amy) and his grandchildren Evan, Jonathan, Sophie and Abbie, and his companion, Ruth Satt. He was predeceased by his wife Sophie, who died in 1975. Harry leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, perseverance, and survival. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 22nd, at 1:00 PM at Congregation Beth Judah, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, in Ventnor. He will be interred at Alliance Cemetery in Norma. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood, Congregation Beth Judah in Ventnor, Seashore Gardens Living Center in Galloway Township, or the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in Margate. Arr. by ROTH-GOLDSTEINS' MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Atlantic City. www.rothgoldsteins.com
This obituary was originally published in The Press of Atlantic City.
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Marilyn Goldstein
August 16, 2019
Harry will always be a wonderful part of my life. He and my Mother enjoyed each others company and so did our families. I felt his loving tenderness every time I was in his company. Fortunately, I was able to visit him in the hospital before his passing. I will forever be grateful for knowing him.
Henry & Heather Buckhalter
October 28, 2012
Harry, a man worth remembering
Carla Sandbothe
October 27, 2012
Our family has been coming to the Inn for 25 years. We missed seeing Harry this year. He was such a kind gentleman. We will remember him fondly each time we come to visit.
Katelyn Gamba
May 4, 2012
Harry, you were an amazing man. I remember as a child at the Montreal Inn watching you walk up and down the first floor patio in front of the rooms, smiling and talking to everyone. I love your hotel and the decade+ I spent coming there and appreciate the inspirational story of your life.
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Frances Brown
November 25, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Linda Sarro
September 9, 2011
Best wishes to the Hirsch family. We send along all our good thought energies to you for celebrating the life of a dear one who moves on. My family and I have stayed at the Montreal Inn every summer from the first year Harry & Sophie opened, since I was 7 years old. Harry never missed an opportunity to connect with us kids, always asking for details of our day, and always having something kind to say. My father assisted in the building of the 3rd floor. We thought of Harry and Sophie as a special part of our summer family and the trip to Cape May was the highlight of every summer. Harry in his quiet gentleness was truly one of the most inspirational souls in my life. I am better for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Henry & Heatherr Buckhalter
September 9, 2011
Henry & Heather Buckhalter.
Harry was special. We remember him coming in for breakfast one morning. He noticed that guests were waiting to use the toasters, which were busy. Next morning he showed up with another one.
Ginny Dearolf
September 8, 2011
We starting vacationing at the Montreal Inn in the 1970's and Harry was always so welcoming and friendly that we have been back year after year for over 30 years now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathleen Else
September 8, 2011
The Hirsch Family can be very proud to have had a man like Harry in their lives. My Family times happened back in the early 70's, before Sophie died, along with my Mom & Dad and Sister and her Family. Harry and Sophie along with their pet (of which all were welcomed back then) made us feel like we were truly their Family. We took a break coming to Cape May for awhile and started up again in the late 90's and have made it down ever since. My Grandchildren now have these fond memories and have enjoyed talking with Harry on his visits. We are deeply saddened to hear this news of Harry's passing, but he lead a wonderful, productive life and his soul will enjoy being in peace forever. He missed Hurricane Irene, but maybe he secretly protected his pride and joy from major damage!!!
Kathleen,Tom,Tommy Else & Amy,Elizabeth & Christian Chordas
Michael & Beth Magin
September 8, 2011
Having vacationed at the Montreal Inn for so many years, I can't imagine the place without Harry. He was a truly remarkable man. He will be missed by all those who knew him and the many who only knew of him through others. Our prayers are with Harry's family at this sad time.
Dorothy Lamuth
September 8, 2011
I will miss Harry as he reminded me of my father, Harry, & our many talks around the pool. He was so kind to us. Life will not be the same without him.
September 5, 2011
We were truly blessed years ago when our young family decided to spend our vacation at the Montreal Inn. Sophie and Harry treated us like family and took such a special interest in our two little daughters, that we returned year, after year, after year (for 43 years), visiting and sharing memories. Just two weeks before Harry passed away, we were delighted that he was able to sit and talk with us and have fun teasing our little granddaughter - reminding her of when her mom was just her size!
We are deeply saddened to know that Harry will no longer be physically with us, but know that his spirit will live on through his family . We are so thankful for having had the privilege of knowing him. Our prayers are with all of you.
Bill and Bobbi Myers
Middletown, NY
Carl & Debra Scotti Fritz
August 29, 2011
I can remember being at The Montreal Inn waking -up at sunrise looking over my room balcony and seeing Harry sweeping, setting-up the pool area then my family going to breakfast a few hours later and Harry was cooking our food, a fine chef. After coming back from the beach Harry always had a moment to chat about our day. A man who wore many hats. For over 35 years Harry and my husband Carl shared their stories of eating places in Israel. Larry and Joseph your father meant so much to our family and our hearts are broken. Sincerely, The Fritz & Scotti Family
Mario Avvenire
August 27, 2011
My Dear Friend, Harry,
Thanks for the memoeies...and may God Bless...
Mario & Linda Avvenire
August 24, 2011
My message starting with "Harry blessed so ..." on 8/23 was not signed. It's from Marilyn Goldstein
August 23, 2011
Harry blessed so many people and will continue to do so. He certainly qualifies as a legend. Men like him aren't put on earth too often. I will miss him dearly and treasure all the memories I have. We will celebrate his life forever.
Linda and Bob Steenrod
August 23, 2011
Harry, your smile and your spirit will live on in the hearts of your family, friends, and the so many people whose lives you touched. You can not have met Harry and not remember his smile and grace. I will miss my hugs.
May we all be fortunate enough to know even a little of the love of life which Harry modeled for so many. Our empathy and prayers are with Harry's family. We share in your great loss.
Geraldine Godfrey
August 22, 2011
Sorry to hear of harry'spassing
August 22, 2011
We were so saddened to hear of Harry's illness and death. He will be remembered by our entire family as a kind and gentle man, always with a ready smile for us, and especially for our girls. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Robin & Marv Barsky and family - Middletown, NY
Pat Graff
August 22, 2011
My sympathy to the Hirsch family. As a former employee of the Atlas Inn we always looked forward to seeing Mr. Harry. His big smile and the time he took to chat with us was wonderful. My prayers are with you. Pat Graff
August 22, 2011
I am honored to have know Harry. He was a wonderful man and I will miss seeing his twinkling blue eyes and smile every day. He will be missed greatly.
Jill Herman -LaBoy, Seashore Gardens
August 22, 2011
We always enjoyed seeing Harry on our annual trek to the Montreal Inn. We feel blessed to have known him. Always a hard worker and a true gentleman.
Our prayers are with the Hirsch family.
The Mason Family - Easton PA
Patricia Podkul
August 22, 2011
Our sympathy goes out to the Hirsch family. We have been going to the Montreal Inn for 23 years. Harry always visited with us and always took the time to talk with us. We will remember his smile and his kind words, always. Harry will be deeply missed. Prayers with you all....The Podkul Family
Conni Miller
August 22, 2011
We, the Miller's of Pittsburgh, always looked forward to seeing Harry on our annual trip to the Cape and the Montreal. He always had kind words and a smile for my girls. He was an incredible man, We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
August 22, 2011
A wonderful story and a wonderful example of "The American Dream," something that his children, grandchildren, and those still to come will cherish.
Thank you Harry for building the Montreal Inn....2011 will mark our 10th year of enjoying our stay in Cape May and at the Inn. We will miss seeing you run around, making sure everything is just right!
Deepest condolences to the Hirsch Family from the DiPietro Family of Staten Island, NY (John, Rosalie, Johnny, Anthony, and Luca).
Rest In Peace....God Bless!!!!
The Carothers Family
August 22, 2011
Our Sympathy to the Hirsch Family on the loss of an incredible man. Before moving to Cape May, we spent 2 weeks every summer at the Montreal Inn, for a decade. In those years, Harry was always a pleasant soul. I was amazed watching this man who owned this beautiful hotel, on his hands and knees, cleaning carpets, and repairing things. As time went on, I learned about Harry's story. Then I realized, I was watching a man,only books speak of and nobody was going to hold Harry down. Harry was not only a survivor, he was a "Gentleman".
Shellie Brown
August 22, 2011
I was so sad to hear about Harry's passing; my earliest memories of the Montreal Inn are of Harry and Sophie visiting our room, carrying me around the kitchen and playing with us. Even just two weeks ago whenever Harry saw me he would say he remembered me "when you were just "this" high". I am so thankful my daughter got to meet him and we had a chance to visit with him. We are thinking of the entire family at this time; know you have our thoughts and prayers.
Shellie, Peter and Meghan Myers-Brown
Ken Discount
August 22, 2011
Wow! So sorry to hear about a incredible Man! He was an amazing person who went through so much in his childhood! God bless him & his family! Sincerely, Ken Discount
Gregg Coffey
August 22, 2011
My old dear friend Harry Hirsh, truly a gentleman and a man who I respected not only as one of the hardest working men I have ever known, but for his quiet presence, his respect for others, his understanding of human nature, his dignity, his love for his family and of course his humble, meek but contageous little smile.
We used to have coffee at the Montreal Inn on Sunday mornings, in the kitchen where Harry didn't speak volumes, but never wasted a word on anything meaningless... then off to work. I learned a lot from Harry.
I am priviledged to have know Harry and to have had him for a friend. They don''t make Harry's anymore and that's a loss for all...
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