Somerville, New Jersey
Lt. Col. Milton "Mickey" A. Laitman
Lt. Col. Milton "Mickey" A. Laitman died on October 6, 2015 after a sudden heart attack. He will be buried at West Point alongside his wife of 75 years, Josephine Propp Laitman (1918-2014).
Born April 15, 1916 in New York City, to Lillian and Louis Laitman, he attended Cooper Union for two years before receiving his commission for West Point. He graduated the Academy in 1939, married his beloved "Josie" and served in WWII, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In June of 1941, he led the Indigo Task Force, a secret mission to Iceland to guard the North Atlantic shipping lanes from German attack. During the War, he served as Chief of the Electronics Branch of the Signal Corps, as Division Signal Officer with the 17th Airborne Division and trained at Harvard and MIT in the development of radar.
After the Army, Mickey founded Planned Financial Programs, offering investment counseling especially geared to the needs of West Point cadets and graduates. A quiet philanthropist, Mickey worked tirelessly to make the Jewish Chapel at West Point a reality.
He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of integrity, hardwork, accomplishment and most importantly, love. He is survived by his daughters Marcie Laitman Kotler (husband, Dr. Morris Kotler), Dr. Lynn Laitman Siebert (husband, Dr. Donald Siebert) and Lori Laitman Rosenblum (husband, Bruce Rosenblum); brother-in law Theodore Propp (wife, Ellen Propp); sister-in-law Elaine Propp; grandchildren Lawrence J. Kotler (wife, Rita Eichman Kotler), Leila Kotler Joffe (husband, Dr. Ian Joffe), Arielle Siebert Whiting (husband, David Whiting), Dr. Asher B. Siebert, James Rosenblum (wife, Ana Gligvashvili), Diana Rosenblum (wife, Dr. Julia Lin), Andrew Rosenblum (wife, Tara Lynn Ramsey); and great-grandchildren, Julia, Teddy, Nicky and Mikey Kotler; Daniel and Justen Joffe; Connor and Jack Whiting; and Edward Milton Rosenblum — as well as many devoted nieces and nephews. We are grateful for his extraordinary life and legacy. He will be sorely missed. Donations can be made to the West Point Jewish Chapel Fund, 750 Merritt Rd., West Point, NY 10996, American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels of Somerville, 908-575-1800.
Dear Laitman Family,
I'm very sorry to hear of Mickey's passing. My father and I had the privilege of meeting Mickey back in the early 1980s while attending one of Lori's concerts. He was a superb gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I pray God will bring you comfort in your time of loss.
Barry Cameron
October 09, 2015 | Hackettstown, NJ
On behalf of the Scions of the 17th Airborne and the 17th Family; may I say we are saddened to hear of the passing of Trooper Laitman. May God's Healing Hand be on his family now.
Isaac Epps
October 08, 2015 | Marietta, GA
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
American Heart Association
October 08, 2015
On behalf of our now dissolved 17th Airborne Division Association may we say farewell to a distinguished and valued comrade, Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult period.
Edward J. Siergiej
17th Airborne Division WWII
Dowling Park, Florida
October 08, 2015
Sincere condolences to all of Mickey's family. His is an amazing legacy. He is truly one of "the great generation".
Donna Yamanis
October 08, 2015 | S. Glastonbury, CT
