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Julius Isaacson Obituary

ISAACSON - Julius, President of International Doll, Toy & Novelty Workers Union, AFL-CIO 223 and Local 118. He was a professional boxing manager, lifelong Yankee, Met, and racing fan. Husband of Selma. Father of Susan, Carol, Barbara and Debra. Father-in-law of Dennis Michalic. Brother of Shirley and brother-in-law of George Goldman. Grandfather of Louis, Carrie, Stacey, Adam and Kathryn. Services 2:00pm Tuesday at Boulevard-Riverside Chapels, 1450 Broadway, Hewlett, LI. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Scouts with Disabilities, Theodore Roosevelt Council, 544 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758.

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Published by Newsday on Jul. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Julius Isaacson

18 Entries

Julie with Dodger Manager Chuck Dressen

Barry Alan

February 20, 2009

To the Isaacson family,
My Uncle Sam Dobbins, pictured at the left, was close friends with Julie.I thought you might enjoy having these pictures.

Lilo O'Grady

July 15, 2008

July 15, 2008

I didn’t learn of Julie’s death until several days later, as on June 27th while on a bus going to a little celebration for my birthday, I got off and stepped in a hole and broke my right ankle in a terrible way, and landed in New York Hospital. When I came out of several operations, I learned from my children of Julie’s death and it devastated me. I knew Julie from the New York race tracks, as he often helped my husband, Jerome V. O’Grady who was head of Pinkerton’s at the New York race tracks. Whenever Jerry had any labor problems he knew he could call on Julie and take advantage of his advice through Julie’s knowledge of labor disputes. When Jerry died, Julie was a “rock” to me, my children, my grandchildren and my friends. He was a diamond in the rough who never said no to anyone in distress. In Italian he was a “bella figura,” and although he might not have known the meaning of it, that’s what he was.
I particularly want to extend my deep condolences to Julie’s sister Shirley, who stood with him through the good times and bad; he called her in Florida every day and they truly loved each other. I remember the story Julie told me that when he was in the minor leagues and didn’t make much money, Shirley, who worked in the garment district, would send him part of her paycheck every week.
The world is a sadder and definitely a less colorful place without Julie Isaacson. I shall miss him deeply.
Lilo O’Grady

Robbie Siben

July 14, 2008

My Uncle Julie was a very special man. He was my buddy, & always had a story to tell. I'd always identify myself as his favorite niece when I called him. I'll miss him a whole bunch. Love, Robbie

Alan Quartucci

July 12, 2008

Big Julie was larger than life to all of us who knew him. He was like a member of my family and there was never enough he could do for any of us. Julie ended every telephone conversation with me the same way: “Anything you need, Son.”
Nothing seemed impossible when you knew that Big Julie was there on your side.

We all know about the many stories involving Julie’s friendship with the famous ballplayers. One that I will always cherish is when my dad underwent open heart surgery in the early 1990’s; the surgeon was completely unapproachable until I discovered his lifetime hero was Mickey Mantle. One phone call to Julie and the doctor soon received a photograph and baseball signed and dedicated to him by Mickey. The next day, the surgeon that everyone was afraid of and who had no bedside manner, was sitting on the edge of my dad’s hospital bed when I came to visit! I am sure this is only one of thousands of stories of good deeds that Big Julie did for his many friends.

All of us in our family, at the racetrack, at the great sporting places and famous restaurants will miss Big Julie tremendously. I think of a saying he always told us on special occasions such as birthdays – Dear Julie, I wish for you all the things that you wish for yourself.
May you rest in peace. Your friend, Alan

Alan Quartucci

July 12, 2008

Big Julie was larger than life to all of us who knew him. He was like a member of my family and there was never enough he could do for any of us. Julie ended every telephone conversation with me the same way: “Anything you need, Son.”
Nothing seemed impossible when you knew that Big Julie was there on your side.

We all know about the many stories involving Julie’s friendship with the famous ballplayers. One that I will always cherish is when my dad underwent open heart surgery in the early 1990’s; the surgeon was completely unapproachable until I discovered his lifetime hero was Mickey Mantle. One phone call to Julie and the doctor soon received a photograph and baseball signed and dedicated to him by Mickey. The next day, the surgeon that everyone was afraid of and who had no bedside manner, was sitting on the edge of my dad’s hospital bed when I came to visit! I am sure this is only one of thousands of stories of good deeds that Big Julie did for his many friends.

All of us in our family, at the racetrack, at the great sporting places and famous restaurants will miss Big Julie tremendously. I think of a saying he always told us on special occasions such as birthdays –Dear Julie, I wish for you all the things that you wish for yourself.
May you rest in peace. Your friend, Alan

Peggy Keilus

July 10, 2008

To Julie Isaacson, R.I.P.

The Yankees and Mets
Will mourn this sad day
When they've truly lost
Their real triple play.

All the toys will weep
In Macy's and malls,
For the career that started
Placing eyeballs in dolls

He fought his way up
With short jabs and ko's
And never waited in line
For a table at Rayo's

He was a friend of the horses.
The truest of fans,
He played platers and champions
And also-rans.

He spoke labor at Oxford
Did Florence and Paris
And flew west to Fargo
For his friend Roger Maris.

Was he a saint?
Not by a shot.
He was a D. Runyan rogue,
With a Paul Bunyan heart.

He didn't read Plato,
Freud or Ed Guest,
But Julie Isaacson said it best:
"Money talks,
B.S. walks."

Casalini & Manta families

July 9, 2008

Dear Isaacson family,
We are so sorry for the loss of our dear friend Julie. Our deepest sympathies.
We'll miss you Big Julie,
The Italian friends from Florence

Bruce Goldstein

July 4, 2008

Big Julie was always a great source for some incredible stories. When I was 5 years old he wanted to introduce me to my hero, Gil Hodges. I was so scared, I hid in my father's car. That mistake haunts me to this day. Big Julie was my mother's cousin (Judith Goldstein, nee Isaacson). We often visited Uncle Louis' home in Brooklyn.
He will be missed.

Wendy Klang

July 3, 2008

Dear Aunt Selma, Susan, Barbara, Carol, Debbie and grandchildren: I'm so, so sorry to hear about Uncle Julie. Sincerely, Wendy.

Eric & Jill Polsky

July 3, 2008

Dear Selma, Deb, Barbara, Susan & Carol,
I was so very sorry to hear about the recent passing of your Husband and Dad. His legacy will always be of a great man who stood up for the less advantaged, a friend to all good causes, and always willing to lend assistance to those in need.
In reality, his career as a Union President, allowed him to be "the father for many". He was certainly devoted and committed to providing everything that he could for his family. Remembering his (sometimes misunderstood) huge, intimidating & wonderfully unique presence, how fortunate you all were to have "Big Julie" as the patriarch of your family - he was truly a "diamond in the rough".
With deepest sympathy,

Chas Timberlake

July 2, 2008

Big Julie was huge in so many ways, but his legacy will be his generosity and kindness. When my partner and i were looking for an appropriate holiday gift for underprivileged kids in Brooklyn, Julie immediately arranged through his contacts in the toy business to provide a mountain of stuffed animals to bring smiles to the children's faces. His greatest joy was bringing happiness to others, you could see it in his eyes when he read the letters of appreciation from the many whom he helped.
He often invited our son Ryan to Yankees and Mets games, and lavished him with autographed baseballs and other memorabilia, and carried Ryan's picture in his wallet.
He always made sure to give presents with the number 18 in them, for good luck.
He was a wonderful friend, a marvelous raconteur, the gruffest exterior and the sweetest interior i have ever met.
Someone should write a book or a Broadway play based on his life, it would be a national bestseller and a surefire Tony award winner!

Love always,
Chas, Pat, Ryan, and Skyler Timberlake (and Casey)

Ron Kaminer

July 2, 2008

Dear Isaacson family,
I just found out today about my good friend and patient Big Julie. I am so sad to hear that he passed away as I just saw him 3 weeks ago and he looked good. Julie and I developed a friendship over the past 12 years. He was a great guy someone I will definitely miss. I am sure one day i will meet him again in the racetrack in the sky...
With deepest Condolences
Ron Kaminer DDS

Donna Cooke

July 1, 2008

Dear Deb & Family,
I was sorry to hear of the loss of your father; after reading about your dad I understand where you got your strong leadership qualities and determination to help students. Take care, Donna

Dr Irwin Klein

July 1, 2008

To The Isaacson family and friends,
We are truely sadden by the passing of our friend "big Julie". He was there for all of those who were lucky enough to know him.

Siben Family

July 1, 2008

This is a time of great sadness. We have lost a "most unforgettable" person.

His huge physical stature and his loud voice scared off some, but those who took the time to know him knew that his kindness and generosity were without limits.

He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.

Susana Isaacson

July 1, 2008

Dad,
I will miss you so much! I love you!

#1 child

lori weiss

July 1, 2008

dear aunt selma, susan, carol, barbara and debbie, i am very sorry to hear of uncle julie's passing. he was such a stong force throughout his life. my parents now have someone else to talk to. my thoughts are with you. love, lori

Carol

July 1, 2008

To the Isaacson's Family my deepest sympathy upon your loss of Mr. Isaacson. I knew him when I worked at the race track years ago. He came to my going away party. He was a good person to many and will be missed. My prayers are with all of you during this sorrowful time.

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