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Herbert Ashe Obituary
Herbert J. Ashe passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 1, 1912 in Bamberg, Germany, to Selma and Jacob Eschwege, he spent his childhood there until he emigrated to the United States in 1938. He escaped the Holocaust, the sole survivor of his family.
From Washington Heights to Jackson Heights to Stamford, Herb built a magnificent life. His marriage to the late Ilsa (nee Mittel) was a happy one that revolved around devotion to family, work and community. Herb first worked at the Custom Shop, managing a store, then at Woolworths in NYC and in 1949 he founded the Ashflash Corporation, a Company based in Norwalk that over the years became the leading importer of flashlights and lanterns in the U.S. and Canada. After the sale of Ashflash, Herb proudly sponsored the translation and publication of The End of a Community, a book dedicated to the enduring legacy of the Jewish families of Bamberg.
During his life in Stamford, Herb, an accomplished pianist, and Ilsa became very involved in promoting chamber music. He served on the Board of Trustees at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, and he and Ilsa founded the Marlboro Music series in Stamford - still going strong in Greenwich. Herb also was a Founding Trustee and Builder of the Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford and was an active supporter and board member of the Stamford Jewish Center and the United Jewish Federation, along with many other organizations. He was loved by many friends here in Stamford and all over the world. His optimism, calm and humility will always be remembered.
Herb is survived by his companion of his later years, Edith, by his loving sons John of Stamford, James (and Lori) of Huntington, Long Island and daughter Janet of New York City. His dear grandson Rafael predeceased him. He is survived by his adoring grandchildren Ari (and Julie), Daniela (and Simon), and Jared and by his great grandson Noah.
Funeral services will be held at Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT on Sunday at 3 pm. Burial to follow at Congregatio Agudath Sholom Cemetery on Westhill Road in Stamford. Shiva will be observed at the family home - 135 Van Rensselaer Avenue, Stamford CT - on Sunday, and on Monday and Tuesday, from 2pm to 9pm. In memory of Herbert, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Ashe
John Ashe
April 20, 2013
On behalf of our family , I would like to thank you all for your loving sentiments and kind expressions of sympathy on the loss of our dear Dad. His life was truly a blessing.
Al & Pat Koproski
April 19, 2013
Your dad was a great man. Good businessman and loved tennis at Oceanview Beach and Tennis Club.
Matthew Haine
April 16, 2013
I remember Mr. and Mrs. Ashe very well as a child growing up in Shippan. They were always very kind and the times I spoke with him, Mr. Ashe impressed me as a man of great wisdom and warmth. My prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.
Gideon Asher
April 15, 2013
Dear Family
I'm Edith nephew from Israel, son of late Kate, Edith's sister, and met Herb many years ago In Israel.
In his later years since Edith lived with him he became our uncle (for Orna and I) and we learn to love and admire him more and more.
Edith and Herb had wonderful life together and we thank him for taking care and loving her so much.
We used to visit them from time to time and often talk to him. He always was so vivid, clear and update and have a lot of knowledge about our country.
We are sorry for your loss
He will remain in our hearts
Orna & Gideon
Kiryat Ono, Israel
Gideon Asher
April 15, 2013
Dear Family
I'm Edith nephew from Israel, son of late Kate, Edith's sister, and met Herb many years ago In Israel.
In his later years since Edith lived with him he became our uncle (for Orna and I) and we learn to love and admire him more and more.
Edith and Herb had wonderful life together and we thank him for taking care and loving her so much.
We used to visit them from time to time and often talk to him. He always was so vivid, clear and update and have a lot of knowledge about our country.
We are sorry for your loss
He will remain in our hearts
Orna & Gideon
Kiryat Ono, Israel
Phil Steinberg
April 14, 2013
John, Janet and Jim
A great guy, neighbor and role model for us all. Both of your parents will be long remembered by all who knew them.
Laurie and Bob Dolian
April 13, 2013
Dear John and Jared,
Very saddened to hear of your dad/granddad's passing. What an incredible long life he lived. I remember meeting him at Little League games and Youth basketball games. Wonderful man....Thinking of all of you at this time.
Allan Winston
April 13, 2013
I knew Herb for more than 60 years and he will be missed by all who knew him. A class act in every sense of the word and a most generous patron of chamber music.
Party Carroll
April 13, 2013
What a wonderful man.
Jeff Koffler
April 13, 2013
So sorry to learn Herb has left us. My condolences to all the family. Herb was an amazing person, making good things happen for others. He was a friend to many across the generations.
Herb's passion for chamber music did not stop with personal enjoyment, but led to great joy for others. In addition to bringing Music(ians) from Marlboro to Stamford at the JCC, he founded the Chamber Music Group of Stamford in the early 1960's, and compiled a group of programs from its concerts for the 45th anniversary several years ago. This too is still ongoing in Stamford, our treasure: concerts by small ensembles in private home settings, heard the way the music was intended to be performed.
The emphasis here, as in the way Herb lived, is not on Herb but on the beauty he so valued and nurtured. What good fortune to be in a community with such a man.
Herb was a wonderful friend, a straightforward man with a rich speaking voice at just the right pace for one to receive every word. Through our hundreds of encounters over the decades, I don't remember one ruffled moment on his part. Herb kept the rhythm of life going just right. I will miss him.
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