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Irving Cypen Obituary

CYPEN, IRVING. The family of Judge Irving Cypen deeply mourns the profound loss of our patriarch, Chairman of the Board Emeritus and Honorary President of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital. For over 58 years, Judge Cypen had been the heart and soul of the Home, serving as an inspiration to all who knew, loved and respected him. He died peacefully Friday afternoon, January 30th. Born in Chicago in 1918, Judge Cypen was graduated from the University of Florida in 1940 with a BSBA degree, and its School of Law in 1943, first in his class. Judge Cypen and his beautiful bride as he fondly referred to his wife, Hazel, throughout their 67-year marriage -- moved to Miami Beach in 1946 following his service in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1958, he was appointed by the late Governor LeRoy Collins as a Circuit Court Judge and was re-elected for a six-year term in 1960, becoming the first of the Jewish faith to be elected to the Circuit Court in Dade County. In 1963, he left the bench to resume his general law practice. The preeminent example of his dedication to the South Florida community was his involvement with the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital at Douglas Gardens, the Southeast's largest, most comprehensive center for geriatric care, programs and services. This involvement began in 1951 when Irving Cypen was asked by prominent Miami attorney and businessman Baron de Hirsch Meyer to join the Home's all-volunteer Board of Directors, becoming the youngest such member in the organization's history. That early encounter led to a lifelong commitment to making the Miami Jewish Home truly a Home for beginning again for the thousands of elderly who received services there. At the time of its opening in 1945, the Home provided care for just 23 elderly Jewish widows and widowers in a one-story house on Southwest 12th Avenue in the Riverside section of Miami. Today, largely due to Judge Cypen's vision and steadfast leadership, the organization and its 1,400 staff serve thousands of people annually both at its main 20-acre Douglas Gardens campus, which features the Irving Cypen Tower and Hazel Cypen Tower, and 10 community-based sites throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Judge Cypen was also instrumental in creating FOUNDERS, the Home's premier support group, raising approximately $75 million in donations and personally enrolling more than 125 FOUNDERS, an achievement that remains unmatched today. Both Judge and Hazel Cypen have been designated members of the prestigious Million Dollar Club of FOUNDERS, the highest level of giving. Throughout the years, Irving and Hazel Cypen touched the lives of thousands of individuals spanning generations of South Floridians. His good deeds garnered him national and regional recognition, including the Herbert H. Lehman Award, the national fraternity Pi Lambda Phis Big Pi award, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging's national Trustee of the Year Award, Outstanding Citizen of Dade County, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Heroes Award for Volunteerism, the Dr. Jean Jones Perdue Senior Award of Excellence from the Miami-Dade Coalition on Aging, an Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Florida, the Quality Senior Living Service to Seniors Award from the Florida Council on Aging and Florida Power & Light, a Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Bar, the Distinguished Citizen Award of Miami Beach, one of Ten Good Men by the Ronald McDonald House, and the Silver Med allion Award from the NCCJ-National Conference of Christians and Jews. By any measure of a man -- the awards and accolades he received, the lives he touched and enriched, or the love of family and friends -- Irving Cypen was a very blessed man, indeed. He leaves his beloved wife, Hazel, their five children: Stephen (Arlyn) Cypen, Bonnie Cypen Epstein (Dr. Lance Raiffe), Wayne (Nicole) Cypen, Tad Cypen and Myles Cypen (Tony Rodriguez); seven grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Jennifer (Scott) Kaplan, Leslie (Peter) Diamond, Adam Epstein, Brett Epstein, Lindsey Cypen, Jeremy Cypen and Scott Cypen. He also leaves three great-grandchildren: Benjamin Kaplan, Annabel Kaplan and Lila Diamond and his sister Betty (Bernard) Rosenbloom. His legacy will live on through them and through the continued success of his magnificent obsession, the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital at Douglas Gardens. We are each and all blessed to have known him. The family would like to express its fond gratitude to Judge Cypen's caretakers, who demonstrated concern and compassion: Rigoberto Sin and Solange Charleston, as well as to his aides, Marie, Jennifer, Maria, Claire and Theresa. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, February 2nd, 2 PM, at Temple Emanu-El, 1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, with interment to follow at Mt. Nebo Memorial Gardens, 5505 NW 3rd Street, Miami. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Feb. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Irving Cypen

Not sure what to say?





Morris Richman

December 7, 2012

Dear Hazel,

I only recently heard of your husband's passing and want to extend our sympathies. Our meeting was 50 years ago when you invited my mother, your cousin Freda Moses, to spend an afternoon at your place with your family. I know our family appreciated your family's hospitality then and always.

Jan Loeb

January 29, 2010

I thought I signed the guest book, But I am so sorry of his passing. I have known the Cypen family since I was very young living on Dilido Island on Miami Beach, and went to Beach High class of 68. I love all of you.

Jan Loeb
Maryville, Tennessee

Ray Steinhardt

April 1, 2009

Cypen Family I will never forget "The Judge" who gave me the inspiration to always help and remember the people and institutions that have touched our lives.Judge Cypen will be in my heart Forever

Lloyd Marks

February 16, 2009

Dear Hazel,
I knew Irving for many, many years datiing back to our St. Petersburg days. He will be remembered as a good judge, good lawyer, and good and loyal friend. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Natalie Hollis

February 15, 2009

Dear Mrs. Cypen,
I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of "The Judge". My Father, Hyman Richman, was his biggest fan. Judge Cypen made my Fathers life so enjoyable, till his last day, 3 years ago, when he died on his 100 birthday at MJHH. Thank you for sharing the Judge with all of us.
Natalie Schanker -Hollis and family.

David Greenbaum

February 12, 2009

To the Cypen Family -- The Greenbaum Family wishes to extend its sympathy and thoughts to you on the passing of Mr. Cypen. He was a great friend of our family and will be missed by all.

Julie Atkins

February 10, 2009

My mother, Esther Atkins, joins me in offering condolences on your loss of Judge Cypen who was highly regarded by my late father, Judge C. Clyde Atkins. Judge Cypen's death is a great loss for the community.

Robert Balogh

February 10, 2009

Steve,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Father. He was a fine man and will be greatly missed.

Robert Balogh and Family

Howard Levine

February 9, 2009

Dear Hazel and Family, I was saddened to learn of Irvings passing. I met him when I first moved to Miami in 1945.Right after my discharge from the Navy. He will be missed. Howard Levine

Leonard Feinman

February 9, 2009

In the early 60's, I went to Miami Beach High, and met the lovely Bonnie. I had no idea who she was, and the wonderful family she belonged to. I frequently saw Judge Cypen's name in the papers, and felt he was a Godsend. He did much for So. Florida, and his work should be copied around the country. A Just man has left us. I am not sure anybody can replace him.

ThomasWood

February 9, 2009

To the Cypen Family,
The Wood Family was disturbed to learn of the passing of our beloved Judge Irving Cypen. I am the youngest son of Hayes Wood and I was fortunate enough to join the Miami Beach Kiwanis Club with my father where I met wonderful people like Judge Cypen, Baron D. Hirshmeyer, Milton Weiss, Doc Baker and many other wonderful people. Judge Cypen and I worked on many campaigns together and I thoroughly enjoyed his genuine friendship.
We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Virginia and "The Woodpile"

Richard A. Besola

February 8, 2009

To the Cypen family.
I was sorry to learn of your loss and I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Cypen family. Mr. Cypen was a great man, may he rest in peace.

Judi Lang Robaina

February 8, 2009

Dear Steve,
I just learned of the passing on of your dad. What a tremendous loss. What a gift he was to the world and to our communities. It's been said he was a living legend, and he was. And I believe that you, Steve, are your father's son, always showing concern, understanding and the willingness to help others and make a difference. Like all, I've always respected your father and know that he must have been very proud of you. My condolences with the heartfelt hope that you and your family will treasure the many wonderful memories you share.
Friends since high school,
Beach Hi Class of '62
Judi Lang Robaina

Marjorie Noto

February 7, 2009

Dear Cypen Family:

My thoughts and sympathies are with you at this difficult time especially with his son, my friend, Myles Cypen.

I know he leaves a memorable and meaningful legacy behind, in his family and community works.

My deepest condolences,

Kyle (Cohen) Fuchs

February 6, 2009

Dear Cypen Family,
It's been many years since I've seen you all, but my thoughts and sympathies are with you at this difficult time. Judge Cypen leaves a memorable and meaningful legacy behind, in his family and community works.
Once again, my condolences.
Kyle (Cohen) Fuchs

SHIELA LEWIS

February 5, 2009

DEAR HAZEL
HEARD FROM AUNT FAY ABOUT IRVING'S PASSING.
THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT MAN WHO ALWAYS WAS THERE TO HELP

George Featherstone

February 5, 2009

Dear Mrs. Hazel Cypen and family:
We are very sorry for your loss. You and are in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

Cliff Schulman

February 4, 2009

Steve, Wayne, Bonnie and Hazel:

The world is a better place because of who Irving was and his love of life and his desire to help others. The greatest joy anyone can obtain is in sharing and he, and your entire family, lived by that credo. While I know you will miss him terribly, rejoice in the fact that the world is a better place because he was with us.

My sincere condolences,

Your butcher shop delivery boy, from M & M Market,

Cliff

Lonnie Scheinblum

February 4, 2009

Cypen Family:

We consider the Cypen family to be the epitome of the lasting legacy Judge Cypen left everyone. Heartfelt remarks offered by his beloved family during his memorial service on 02-02 were the greatest tribute to his memory, despite the tears. He was always, and would certainly, be very proud of the dignity maintained by those whose loss is the greatest. My husband Michael and I considered Irving to be a friend and colleague and mourn his passing along with everyone. He was indeed a true "mensch" to those fortunate enough to have been touched by him.

May his memory be for a blessing - forever.

Lonnie and Mike Scheinblum

Hoang Tran

February 4, 2009

Dear Mrs. Cypen,
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maria and Hoang

Edna and Betsy graber

February 3, 2009

While we don't know the perfect words to say, or the perfect things to do, to comfort you, dear Hazel, and your endearing family, We want you to know how truly sorry we are about your loss.

Just think of the happier moments you've shared with your Irving. Keep his memory alive, and celebrate his life with all the tears, and with all the smiles. That’s what he would want you to do.

One more candle is out on this earth, but is shining in heaven, and will continue to shine in the heart of those Judge Cypen has left behind….You, Hazel, his sons and daughter, those beautiful grandchildren who spoke so dearly about their grand father, and the many others connected to you and Irving in some way or another.

Though words, however heartfelt, cannot take your sense of loss away, still may these sincere thoughts help comfort you in the hours, days, weeks, months, and years to come. Our prayers are with you, Hazel, and your family.

The tribute on Friday was so moving. May God in Heaven Bless Irving Cypen’s Memory and his lovely wife Hazel and children . May his Memory be Eternal.

Edna Graber, Irving Cypen Tower, and her daughter, Betsy

Judith Cohen-Blecher

February 3, 2009

Hazel dear,
My daughters Kyle and Melanie join
me in sending heartfelt condolences
to you ,Wayne, Todd and the rest of the family. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.

Jean Hayek

February 3, 2009

To Mrs Hazel Cypen and Family, I can only offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Wonderful Husband, father and Grandfather. I Met Mr & Mrs Cypen when I first came to Miami to live with my Mother Alma Kennedy Schwartz, who was a legal secretary for Mr Cypen in his office on Lincoln RD, in 1949.
MY Mother thought the world of the Cypen Family, and I came to know them briefly through her, but Irving and Hazel Cypens compassion for my mother will always keep them in my prayers. When I married and had my first Child, Mrs Cypen gave me a beautiful Quilt for my baby boy. I will never forget her thoughtfullness, and that quilt stood the test of time with another son & 2 girls.
I have seen Mr & Mrs Cypens pictures and accolades in the Miami Herald many times. When my Mother passed away in 1973 with cancer, I was deeply touched by their rememberence of her. May God in Heaven Bless Irving Cypens Memory and his lovely wife Hazel and children . May his Memory be Eternal.
Jean Kennedy Hayek (Mrs Charles Hayek JR)

Jan Loeb

February 3, 2009

I have Known This Family since I lived on Miami Beach Florida, I am so Sorry about his Loss. Let The Lord Watch over him and his family

Yvonne Brown

February 3, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

jackie Smith

February 3, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Laly Gonzalez

February 2, 2009

My condolences to Mrs. Cypen, her children and grandchildren.
Judge Cypen's dedication to this community, specially to the Miami Jewish Home will always be remembered.
I had the privilege to work at the Home's Accounting Department for 37 years and retired last May.
Blessings of the Lord for the entire family.

Robert L Brooks

February 2, 2009

Dear Mrs. Hazel Cypen, Steven and family. The passing of Judge Irving Cypen is a profound loss. He was a great man. When I was just a young fireman, and he was a young attorney, I had the pleasure to meet him when he was advising the Miami Beach Police and Fire Benevolent Association meetings in the Plaza Theater office, across from the Miami Beach Kennel Club on South Beach. Many Police and Fire personnel owe a great debt of gratitude to Judge Cypen, and he will be missed more than words can say. We will remember you and all the family in our prayers and pray that God will be with you and give you peace and comfort. Sincerely,
Robert L. Brooks, Miami Beach Fire Dept., Ret.

JON RAUCH

February 2, 2009

To The Cypen Family, Our Hearts and Thoughts are with you at this TIME. G-d Bless you all. THE JON RAUCH FAMILY.

Martine Wisotsky

February 2, 2009

My deepest condolences to the whole Cypen clan. I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Irving; he was a wonderful man. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the funeral.

Love,
Martine

David Elmaleh

February 2, 2009

Wayne and family, please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear father, he was a true and kind gentleman. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love, David and Evaline

Carmen Talarico

February 2, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you always!Jimmy Accursio and Carmen Talarico from the Capri Rest.

susan nichter

February 2, 2009

Dear Steven and Bonnie, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and my deepest sympathies are with you and your entire family.
Susan Nichter

Milton and Judy Fisher

February 2, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Judge Cypen's lifelong work for the Home and his love for his "bride" and his family is etched in the hearts and minds of all of us that had the distinct pleasure to know him. He leaves a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sylvie Savi

February 2, 2009

My deepest condolences on your loss.

Carol Meyer

February 2, 2009

Dearest Bonnie & Family,
Haven't seen you since school but know of your father's great gift to the Miami community. May you gain solace from all the wonderful memories he left for you.

All the Best,

Carol (Young) Meyer

Sheryl Piper

February 2, 2009

Dear Adam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. I did not know your grandfather personally, but reading and knowing of the great works he accomplished in his life, I am sure he was a major influence on your life. Take care.

Marlene Reiss

February 2, 2009

My sincerest condolences to the entire Cypen family. I was The Judge's secretary in 1986-87, and remember his tireless efforts on behalf of the aging in our community.

Flavia Richards

February 2, 2009

Dear Myles, Tony, Bonnie and Mrs. Cypen,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Judge Cypen's remarkable life will forever be remembered for his accomplishments and for the many lives he impacted.

Litha Berger

February 2, 2009

Hazel, Steve and family....it is with great sorrow that I learned of Judge's passing. I have many wonderful memories working with him on various projects. I so admired his charm, and wit and his enduring dedication to serving the elderly in the most dignified and compassionate manner. May the Home continue the extraordinary service to the community that he began many years ago..........fondly....Litha Berger and James L. Lane

Carmen Rivera

February 2, 2009

Dear Cypen Family:
My deepest condolences on the loss of our dearest “Judge”. His memory will always be in my heart. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Barbara

February 2, 2009

To the Cypen family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Jose Javier & Ruth Blandon

February 1, 2009

Dear Myles,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memories help you comfort you tomorrow. Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father.

Rebeca Susana Matus

February 1, 2009

Dear Myles,
Please accept my deepest condolences in such a great loss. May Mr. Cypen rest in peace and may God comfort you and your family in this moment of sadness.

CHARLES LONG

February 1, 2009

A TRUE CHAMPION OF THOSE WHO COULD NO LONGER HELP THEMSELVES.

Sandi Lewis

February 1, 2009

Dearest Bonnie, Adam, and Brett,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful father/grandfather. He was such a phenominal man and will be sorely missed. Much love always, Sandi

Suzanne and Donald Bezahler

February 1, 2009

Our thoughts are with you at this time of grief. He was a great man whose legacy tells it all.

Nancy Zivitz Sussman

February 1, 2009

Sending condolences to the entire family --

The Feinstein Family

February 1, 2009

Milton and I have wonderful memories and great respect for all that "the Judge" and your family shared with and accomplished for our community. May Irving rest in peace and may your family be comforted by the love that he shared with us all.

Stan Yanowitz

January 31, 2009

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father.
Stan & Ann Yanowitz

ruby MACKEY MILLIGAN

January 31, 2009

Dear Mrs. Cypen,
We are saddened to hear of Judge Cypen's passing. What an outstanding human being he has been in our family's life. We love him dearly and the love continues. Mother sends her love.

Joe Ankus

January 31, 2009

To the entire Cypen family, on behalf of our family, know that we too are mourning your loss. I was so sad to learn of his passing and hope that the wonderful legacy he leaves inspires all you to continue in his footsteps. My family will always be grateful for the kindness, compassion and concern he showed to all of us. With love, The Ankus Family

Dr. Jacob and Mrs. Lucero Levy

January 31, 2009

Heartfelt condolences to the Cypen Family on the loss of Irving Cypen. May the memories you lived together be of comfort and the love of friends and family carry you through these grieving times. Sincerely,

Wendy Unger

January 31, 2009

Irving leaves a lifetime of wonderful memories and blessed contributions to our community. We will all truly miss him. Our hearts go out to the family. Wendy Unger & Seth Schapira

January 31, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of Irving's passing. We know that he will always be in your hearts and memories. It is a great loss for all of you. Our thoughts are with you and we hope they are of some comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Ellen and Ira Joel Abramson, M.D.

Judi and Billy Gale

January 31, 2009

Dear Bonnie and the rest of your family,

We are so sorry to hear about your father. Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you, your brothers, all the extended family and especially your Mom.
Much Love,
Judi and Billy Gale

Jay/Joyce Sweeney

January 31, 2009

Judge Irving Cypen embodied what Tom Brokaw called The Greatest Generation. I had the privilege of working for him for many years at Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged, about which he always understood its true heart and soul in service to the elderly. On behalf of my wife Joyce, our sincere sympathy and prayers to dear Hazel and the Cypen family./Jay Sweeney.

carmen carrio

January 31, 2009

my prayers are with you. He went to the big Bar Association in the Sky. He has friends there. A gentleman in the true sense of the word. You do not know me. I met him because I worked for lawyers for over 30 years.

Alfred Alonso

January 31, 2009

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He did a lot of good for this community.

My mother was very well taken care of at Douglas Gardens for many years.

My condolences to his family. He was a good man!!

Diane Rechner

January 31, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the
Cypen family, especially to Irving Cypen's lovely wife, Hazel, and to my former boss, Wayne and his lovely wife, Nicole. May God comfort and sustain the entire Cypen family at this time. Irving Cypen was a great man who contributed so much to the South Florida community. He will be greatly missed.

Susan Bookspan Hurst

January 31, 2009

Steven,

Celebrate a long and wonderful life like your Dad's.

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