Joseph Einhorn

EINHORN, Joseph Joseph J. Einhorn, 88, of Orange, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (February 12, 2008), after a series of serious illnesses. Born in St. Louis, MO to Anna Einhorn and Morris Einhorn on January 11, 1920, he leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Jeanne R. Einhorn. In addition to his wife, he leaves three children; Jonathan J. Einhorn of New Haven, (and his wife Bonnie), Mark F. Einhorn of North Haven, and Michele Russell-Einhorn of Brookline, MA (and her husband Malcolm). He also leaves seven grandchildren; Kyle Einhorn of Huntington Beach, CA (and his wife Traci), Sara D. Shah of Cambridge, MA, (and her husband Samuel), Jeffrey B. Einhorn, of Brooklyn, NY, Daniel Russell-Einhorn, Rebecca Russell-Einhorn and Joshua Russell-Einhorn, all of Brookline, MA, and Angel Plass of Branford. He leaves two great grand-children, Charlotte Einhorn and Samuel Joseph Einhorn, of Huntington Beach, CA. He leaves behind two brothers, Sidney Einhorn of Bronx, NY and Arthur Einhorn, of Princeton, NJ and a sister, Chaye Arotsky of Howard Beach, NY. He was predeceased by brothers Martin Einhorn and Herman Einhorn. Mr. Einhorn was a significant figure in New Haven politics. The Republican candidate for Mayor in 1965, his position on many important issues were subsequently vindicated by recent City policies. He attacked the demolition of entire neighborhoods through the City's redevelopment practices and fought for specialized schools, now popular as magnet schools. He was a voice of opposition to "politics as usual" in New Haven, both in his mayoral campaign and in a subsequent campaign for State Representative. His foray into politics began as a Democrat when he was appointed to the Better Schools Committee, and was later asked by the Republican party to serve as its standard bearer in the mayoral campaign. He was raised on Legion Avenue and knew poverty along with his family and others of that depression generation. He once joked that the only way they could afford showers was the twice weekly visits to the local Boys Club. He graduated Troup Junior High School and Hillhouse High School in 1937. After high school he joined his brothers in the World War II military, joining the 779th field artillery, and as he put it, "helped to keep Miami Beach safe". After the army he returned to New Haven and married his sweetheart, then Jeanne R. Singer. Starting from scratch, he built a lamp, clock, furniture and weather instrument factory in Branford, Milford and Clinton. At its height it employed 135 people. After retiring from that business, he became a realtor and real estate developer, and then a certified auctioneer. He later directed his enthusiasm to the business of antique prints and maps, with retail operations in Branford, Old Saybrook, Woodbury and Stamford. Joe was a director and trustee of the Milford Savings Bank, a member of the Board of Directors of Milford Hospital, a former chairman of the board of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Milford Rotary, and was Chairman of the Board of the Platt Technical High School. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Cosmopolitan #125. He had an MBA from the University of New Haven in business administration. Generous to a fault, he had but one hobby; his family. He was happiest on any family occasion, and looked forward to them. He belonged to an era when people knew how to give impromptu speeches, and to the occasional dismay of his family, he never missed an opportunity to do so. His family will miss him, but will always keep his memory. Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanuel, 150 Derby Turnpike, Orange at 11 a.m. on Friday February 15. The interment Will be in the Mishkan Israel Cemetery on Jewell St., in New Haven. The period of mourning will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel or to the Jewish Historical Society. The Weller Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Ave., New Haven is in charge of arrangements.