Jerry Schechter Obituary

SCHECHTER, Jerry Of Brookline, formerly of the Bronx and Croton-on-Hudson, NY, December 2, 2008, at 90, of illness. Husband of the late poet Ruth Lisa Schechter. Father of Danny Schechter, Bill Schechter, and of Denzil McKenzie. Grandfather of Sarah, Ethan, and Jamie Schechter. Father-in-law of Sandy Shea. Brother of the late George Schechter and brother-in-law of Dana Schechter. Uncle of Marc and David Schechter. Devoted friend of Loris Altman. Master of Toughie, Auric, and Truly. Graduate of DeWitt Clinton H.S. in the Bronx, Garment Worker, Union activist, Workmen's Circle member, Amalgamated "Cooperator," veteran, and sculptor. Survived the Great Depression and WWII. He saw it all, told it the way it was, and lived a life that pointed the way to "A Besserer Velt" -a better, more just world. He was our "working class hero." He met his responsibilities to his family, to his community, and to humanity. He was a friend to all, except those who took advantage of others. No flowers. Please make contributions to the National Yiddish Book Center, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, or the U.S. Holocaust Museum. Memorial gathering to be announced. Private burial at Mt. Auburn.

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Published by Boston Globe on Dec. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Schechter

6 Entries

Jacie and Scott Feinberg

December 8, 2008

Jerry was a great person to talk with and to know for all of these years. We enjoyed all of our dinners and get togethers with him and Grandma.

Peace be with you and your family at this time.

stuart & brenda

December 8, 2008

Dear Bill, Sandy, Danny and Denzil,
We only knew Jerry for the past 15 years, but made a big impact on our lives. We will miss his smiles, stories, creative handiwork, and especially his friendship. Jerry's expressions will live on in our house and my children.

Alexandra Hans

December 6, 2008

Dear Danny and Billy:
I was sad to learn of the passing of your father. He was an All-American union hero, never forgetting his roots in Yiddish and the Left. I enjoyed reconnecting with him a few years back and seeing both of you around that time. I remember your mother so well, too. Ruth was a vibrant woman who also spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed in.

I enjoyed all the reminiscences your father and I had as we reviewed life in the Amalgamated. He had interesting forthright observations about it all and I valued them and his historical memory. I hope he was aware of Obama's election as I imagine he would have found great joy in his becoming our next president.

My thoughts are with both of you, and my admiration for the legacy you have received from your father, who called everyone 'my dear,' and many other loving terms.

With sweet memories of 92 Van Cortlandt Park South,

Alexandra Vozick Hans

Chris McArdle

December 5, 2008

Dear Bill, Sandy, Ethan and Jamie,

I found this notice by accident and am so so sad and know that Colin and Hannah will be too. One of our most memorable evenings was spent with Jerry listening to amazing stories from the past. Our love and thoughts go to you all and Danny and Denzil.

Cherie Welch

December 5, 2008

Dear Danny --

Perhaps you can find solace in the unmitigated joy you provided to your father by the way you fearlessly embrace life with fairness and concern for the planetary welfare of others, not only the courage of your convictions but also the actions your take to raise global consciousness.

Your father must be some kind of wonderful. And, yes, present tense for Jerry Schechter lives on through you and your family and all the lives he left his indelible imprint upon.

While I did not have the privilege to meet your father, I shall not mourn nor stop all the clocks because your father was THE change he wanted to see the world by being, ‘a friend to all, except those who take advantage of others.’

Please take the utmost of gentle care.

Pax vobiscum,

Marjorie Graber

December 5, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lived above Jerry for a few years and he was so warm and welcoming. He and I sat for hours and he would tell me about "life". He was so gifted, with his woodworking, and so devoted to his late wife as well as the rest of his family. He would show me her poems. I would hear all the stories about his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of you all. He was always there to lend a hand or lend a tool!

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