SOL APTMAN Obituary

APTMAN--Sol. Died peacefully at home in Miami on March 9, 2012 at 101. He loved life, his family, his faith and Bet Shira Congregation. He was a devoted husband to his wife Beatrice until her death. Beloved father of Wallace (Eileen), Michael (Lynn), Suellen (Sam Goodbaum). Loving grandfather of Lowell (Eileen), Gregory, Melissa (deceased), Matthew (Jessica) and Jessica Aptman, Joshua and Anna Goodbaum. Adored great-grandfather of Isabel, Madeline, Gabrielle and Hudson Aptman. His positive attitude was an inspiration to all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Melissa Institute, www.melissainstitute.org

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 11, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for SOL APTMAN

7 Entries

jerry silverman

March 30, 2012

Sol I will miss you and your humor you were an inspiration to every one whom was fortunate to know you. Jerry Silverman

March 17, 2012

Dad's Eulogy

How does one eulogize an extraordinary man who lived such a rich and full life? Last year, I complimented Dad on being extraordinary. He agreed and told me and I quote, “I should be registered like Coca-Cola.”
Dad was born June 30, 1910 in the little shtetl of Felsytyn outside of Kiev. It's incredible to note that at that time only 8% of US homes had telephones;
that the 8,000 cars in this country only had 144 miles of paved roads and that there were only 230 murders nationwide in that year.
When his family witnessed the Bolsheviks playing a game of tossing Jews from 1 bayonet to another, they knew it was time to leave. The family made their way to Le Havre, boarded the SS France and arrived at Ellis Island on August 26, 1922.
They were supposed to continue to Milwaukee where family members had started a small company called Master Lock, but instead they settled in the lower East Side and did other people's laundry. The Great Depression necessitated Dad leaving St. John's Law School to help work in the family laundry in Brooklyn.
In 1937, he married his wife of 66 years. His warm, engaging, friendly personality made him a natural salesman. He had many concurrent jobs, but he was primarily an insurance salesman. He ran for the NY State Legislature in 1946 and he told me that he would have won except the birth of his 2nd child (that be me) diverted time and money from his campaign.
Dad's true vocation in life was being a wonderful father and family man. Anyone who came within shouting distance would hear about the many accomplishments of his beloved family. My parents moved to Broward County from New York in the 1980's to be near my growing family. In the early 1990's, they moved to King's Creek in Kendall due to Mom's failing health and her desire to be near Baptist Hospital and my medical colleagues. At this time, Dad suffered through a few years of being isolated, lonely and he temporarily lost his joie de vivre.
In 1995, Melissa was tragically murdered. Dad and I went to say Kaddish and then became daily minyonaires at Bet Shira. Dad's life became enriched and renewed. This mutually rewarding relationship not only added years to Dad's life, but life to his years. In addition, at age 50, I had the good fortune of starting every week day praying at my father's side. It is ironic that such tragedy brought such blessings to my Dad and myself. However, it is consistent with Dad's philosophy that the glass is half full.
Dad had many near-death experience. I fondly told him that he had used up 20 of his 9 lives. In 2008, he was on the brink of dying for 3 days. After he miraculously recovered, I told him that he was out of this earth for a while. He said that he had dug in his heels and just wouldn't go... and besides that he said, “It is better to be out of this Earth than be under it.”
It was no secret that Dad loved life. He's oft repeated philosophy was “Live while there is life. Be happy and merry. Life is but once!” Dad never had a fear of dying. He told me, “The Lord takes good care of me. I have served him well.”
Two weeks ago, just before lapsing into a coma, he told me that he was a happy-go-lucky guy who overcame many obstacles in his long life to be the head of his wonderful family.
So what is the final lesson that Dad had to teach us. Recently, he told me “My time has come and my heart is numb.” Like many of his Solly-isms, I asked him to explain. He indicated that he knew that his time was near and that he did not harbor any negative feelings. He was accepting of his mortality but never looking forward to dying. Dad loved living his life with a passion rarely seen. This accounted for his longevity and his enormous influence on everyone who was blessed to know him. However, near his final hour, he was at peace with himself and quite happy with the life he led.

I'd like to close with Dad's favorite teaching. Please join with me…
Good, better, best.
Never let it rest.
‘Til the good is better
And the better is best.
And Dad… you were the best.

Dave Birkenfeld

March 16, 2012

Definition of A Mensch: SOL APTMAN

Michael Aptman

March 16, 2012

Dad

March 11, 2012

Michael,
Judi and I extend our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your father. We hope is memory is an inspiration to you and to your family.
Barry and Judi

Robert Salzman

March 11, 2012

Dear Michael and Lynn,
Over the many years I knew Sol he continued be one of the kindest, most caring, and positive individuals I have known. His devotion to Beatrice and his family was inspiring. It was my privilege to have been his doctor. Jane and I send our most sincere condolences to you and all of Sol's family.

March 10, 2012

Michael, we are sorry to learn of youur father's passing. One hundred years, we wish you his genes.

Seth and Judy

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