Harvey Fishman

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Harvey M. Fishman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who left us on February 8, 2025, at the age of 93. Harvey led a full, happy and successful life with Renee, the love of his life for more than 63 years. Together they built a wonderful life filled with travel, dining, good friends, and, most of all, family.
Harvey was born on December 7, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, to his loving parents, Ethel and Murray Fishman. Harvey grew up there and enjoyed playing "street games" as a boy such as stickball, punchball, and stoop baseball. He loved the Brooklyn Dodgers. Harvey was a good student and graduated from James Madison High School in 1949. He attended Lowell Textile Institute (now UMass/Lowell) where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in Textile Chemistry.Harvey was drafted into the Army shortly after graduation and served in Korea, primarily as a truck driver, until his discharge in 1955.
Back in the States, Harvey worked as a Textile Chemist for a couple of years. Dissatisfied, he quit and spent some time travelling in Europe. Upon his return, he landed a job as a Junior Chemist with Revlon, which he liked much better, and stayed in the Cosmetics industry for the remainder of his career.
Harvey met the future love of his life, Renee Anzel, at a Jewish singles dance in Mount Vernon, NY in January 1961. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were engaged and married by the end of that year. As newlyweds, they lived in an apartment in Hartsdale, NY, and had their children there, ultimately moving to their home of 40+ years in Oakland, NJ in 1967.
Harvey liked birdwatching, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He loved playing Scrabble with Renee, even though she usually won. He also enjoyed writing, and self-published his autobiography "A Boy from Brooklyn" in 2010.
Harvey was an avid Mets fan (since the Dodgers were no longer in New York) and suffered through many poor seasons with the team. He played tennis and volleyball and became an accomplished swimmer later in life. He was physically active until dementia started affecting his coordination, about three years ago.
Harvey was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Murray, and his sister, Miriam Bloom.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Renee; his son Douglas and his wife Jessica (Black); his daughter Beth and her husband Russell (Adamkiewicz); his cherished grandchildren, Lindsay, her husband Jeremy (Kaye), and Matthew; and his great grand-daughter Charlotte.
Services are on Tuesday, February 11 at 11 am at Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel, W-150 Route 4, Paramus, New Jersey.
Following the service, the burial will be at Cedar Park & Beth El Cemeteries, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, New Jersey.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Renee Fishman on February 11 from 5 pm – 8 pm and Wednesday February 12 from 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm at 2301 Warrens Way, Wanaque.
Shiva will be also observed at the home of Jessica and Douglas Fishman on Thursday February 13 from 2 pm - 4 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm and Friday February 14 from 2 pm - 5 pm at 48 Birchwood Lane, North Haledon.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harvey's name can be made to The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America https://www.jwv.org/give/donate/ or Temple Beth Tikvah https://templebethtikvahnj.org/tbt-funds/