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BORN
1923
DIED
2018
Max Orenstein Obituary
Max was born on Nov. 16, 1923, and grew up in Montville. He graduated from NFA, Class of 1941, and in 1942 was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force). He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. He served the majority of his time, from 1942 to 1946, in the South Pacific. Max always remained proud of his service and spoke of it often.
Returning to Montville after the war, he opened a small car repair service. In 1947, he met Janet Schwartz and they were married in 1948. Janet predeceased Max in 2014, after almost 66 wonderful years of marriage. Max and his brothers, Yale and George, eventually opened Yale's Auto Salvage, Inc. in New London, and then moved the business to the family farm in Montville. Max retired in the 1990s.
He and Janet raised eight children in New London and Old Mystic, and they retired to their beach house on Latimer Point in Stonington. Max loved playing cards, but his true passion was the water, and he owned and enjoyed his Boston Whaler into his late 80s.
He was a longtime member of Beth El Synagogue, and saw all of his children graduate from college. He had many fishing and poker buddies and loved to 'kibbutz' with them. He enjoyed restoring cars, learned to ski in his 40s, and made new friends wherever he went. He was always interested in the lives of anyone who had the good fortune of meeting him and he was loved deeply by his family.
In 2012, Max and Janet moved a final time to Southern California. He enjoyed the beautiful weather, walking along the beach every day, and being near grandchildren.
Max leaves behind his eight children, Sandra Rich (Neil), Eleanor Mezer (Harry), Harry (Ellen), Zelda, Phyllis Bresler (Sidney), Shelley (Aaron), Fern, and Gail (Robert), 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
A service for Max will be held on July 18 at Hillside Memorial Jewish Cemetary in Los Angeles, where he will be interred.
Donations may be sent in Max's honor to Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial, City of Redondo Beach Cashiers Office, 415 Diamond St., Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Max Orenstein
Katie Berger Saunders
November 30, 2021
Dear Orenstein family, My dad (Larry Berger) was a very close friend of your parents and absolutely adored them both. He was in the same auto business and they often did business together. My dad died in 2015 and I did talk with your dad a few times. When you 8 and my brother & I were all kids, we saw each other occasionally and had fun visits. I went with my dad to your home in Old Mystic, only to find a cow running down the middle of the road to your house. Max knew whose cow & just what to do with her! My deepest condolences! Katie
Cheri Malo
January 17, 2019
Max was a very kind and loving man he was a wonderful father to all of his children whenever I came in contact with Max he was always very kind to me and everyone around him Max and Janet were a match made in heaven Shelly Fern and Gail I am so sorry that you have lost your beloved mother and father I am sending you and your siblings all my love and prayers
Tim and Rosemary Moynihan
July 31, 2018
Janet & Max we're great human beings. Their love for each other and for others was tangible. They were so hospitable and dear to us. We truly miss them at Latimer Point. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family.
Tim & Rosemary Moynihan
Suzanne Love
July 28, 2018
Max was my father's best friend. They owned a boat together and spent many happy hours fishing and enjoying the water.
Sue Solomons Love (daughter of IA Solomons)
Dick Van Dyke & Ian Oliver Martin, at UCLA
Ian Oliver Martin
July 26, 2018
A farewell to Max Orenstein. I attended Fitch High, Groton, CT with daughter Fern. Sad condolences for Fern, and family. Many warm hugs for all. MAX...All your heart! All your Soul! All of your Means! Shalom.
July 24, 2018
My condolences to the entire family. Great memories of Max trying to purchase a put together car when I was 16 or 17.
Henry Resnikoff
Essex, CT
Paul Simeone
July 22, 2018
Max was a friendly, witty and wise Latimer Point neighbor. We looked forward to his spirited conversations.
RIP Max, Paul & Ginny Simeone
Kurt Cramer
July 21, 2018
Dear Fern and Gail, and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. May all of your memories sustain you at this time.
Sincerely,
Kurt Cramer
Tina Kapp
July 19, 2018
Max was such a great ,warm and loving person. I met Max when I was 18 years old on my first trip to their farm. He welcomed me with open arms as a friend of his daughter's. I always felt that I was a welcome guest and a part of the family.
Gil Griffin
July 18, 2018
Phyllis,
My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family.
July 17, 2018
First job I ever had back in 1972 was working at Yale's 3 Mad Men Auto. Max, George, and Yale were very nice to me, along with John Otto. Every Friday lunch would be at Budnick's Sea Food on Jefferson Ave. Great Memories follow this Man. R.I.P. Max
Lou Pergiovanni
Waterford, Ct.
July 17, 2018
So sorry to hear about Max's passing. Will always remember learning 7 Card Stud from him in at Brustolon's on Monday Nights and fish chowder at Latimer Point Always three cards down so he could hide his hand better. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Stephen Cravinho and Family
Stephen Poirier
July 17, 2018
Gail,
Your dad led a GREAT life. I remember the few times I met him he always made me laugh. I know this is a huge loss for your family.
Best Regards,
Stephen Poirier
PS That man had the best head of hair!
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