Jack Elfant

Jack Elfant

November 29, 1920 - July 25, 2014

Jack Elfant, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away at 93 on Friday, July 25.
"Uncle Jack" as many knew him, was born on the lower east side of Manhattan, the youngest of five: siblings - Joseph, Dorothy, Herbert, and Jean. His parents were Sam and Minnie.
After serving on a Navy supply ship in Japan during WWII, Jack entered the University of California, Berkeley on the GI Bill and studied Optometry. In 1949, Jack married Frances Stecher and the couple had three children: daughters Sheryl and Raina, and son, Howard. His first practice was in Quincy, CA an hour's drive north of Tahoe, later relocating his practice to Daly City.
After separating from his wife in the mid 70's, Jack met a lovely young lady who worked in the Therapeutic Radiology Department at Stanford University, who would be the love of his life.
Jack and Seena were married on February 5, 1978 and resided in Palo Alto's Oak Creek Apartments. Jack became obsessed with traveling and cycling, joining the Stanford Bike Club. He biked all over the UK for 15 years, in the 70's & 80's. He and Seena traveled all over the world: India, South Africa, South America, Russia and Scandinavia. The couple volunteered on many trips to Israel, helping the Optometry Department at Hadassah College, serving food at the Meir Panim soup kitchen and washing dishes in the Army kitchen. Later, Jack and Seena would move to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, where Jack would become addicted to bridge and table tennis, excelling at both. He showed no fear as he participated in weekly folk and square dance sessions despite having two left feet. This loving, caring, beloved Jack lived the last two and a half years at Reutlinger, and is survived by the love of his life Seena, his 97 year-old brother Herb, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and countless nephews and nieces.
The memorial service is Reutlinger Home for Jewish Living at 11am on Sunday August 10, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hadassah Academic College or your favorite charity.