Irving Brecher

BRECHER, Irving Writer for movies, television, radio and vaudeville, passed away November 17, 2008 at age 94. Born in the Bronx, New York to Elizabeth an Mark Brecher, he began his career at the age of 19 by writing material for the rising young comedian, Milton Berle. He arrived in Hollywood in 1938 where he established himself as a writer and a wit. Among the many movies he wrote were "Meet Me in St. Louis," and two Marx Brothers films: "At the Circus" and "Go West." He also wrote and produced "The Life of Riley" for radio and television, which won the first Emmy Award for a TV situation comedy. At the famous Round Table at Hillcrest Country Club, he was the only member who was not a performing comedian. In later years he corrected this situation when he became in demand as a stand-up comedian at private functions. He was happily married to Eve Bennett from 1938 to 1980, when she passed away. In 1983 he married (also happily) Norma Waxenberg, who survives him. He is also survived by his step-children: Jane (Lawrence) Ulman, Ellen (Victor) Zoschak, and Michael (Julie) Waxenberg; and his step grand-children: Zachary, Gabriel, Jeremy and Danny Ulman, Jonathan Gutstadt, Julie (Paul) Owen, and Hannah and Claire Waxenberg. He was predeceased by his children, Joanna Giallelis and Keon Brecher; and his sister, Hermine Sloven; and his brother, Jack Brecher. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 20th at Hillside Memorial Park.