Manfred HECHT

1930 - 2017

HECHT, Manfred
January 20, 1930 - April 5, 2017
Fred Hecht was the ultimate gentleman. Born in Michalstadt, Germany, he and his family survived the opening years of the Nazi takeover even having lost the family business; moving from house to house; schooling in another town when Jews were barred from the local school; and finally, after his father's release from Dachau, getting US visas and leaving. The family travelled across Europe from Germany and embarked on a 10-day voyage from Lisbon to New York. Once there, they settled in Washington Heights, New York City, where Fred was enrolled in elementary school.
In junior high his talent was recognized and he was given the opportunity to go to Textile High. From there he studied at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). After graduation, he went into business as an interior designer and his fame spread.
Fred's creativity went beyond interior design and he studied painting and, in particular, pointillism. His home in West Palm Beach has dozens of his paintings gracing the walls. But one of his greatest gifts was teaching children and teens about Jewish history and the Holocaust by sharing his story with them. The mutual affection during these encounters was clearly evident. Fred is survived by his partner and spouse, Vincent Pullano, his sister-in-law Tina Hecht, his nephew Stanley Hecht and his niece Marlen Hecht Silvers. Interment was April 7 at Eternal Light in Boynton Beach, FL. Donations in Fred's memory may be made to: Alpert Jewish Family & Children's Service Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program or Vitas Hospice of Palm Beach
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