Obituary of Harry M. Lederman
At the age of one hundred years and two months, formerly of Rochester, NY and Delray Beach, FL, Harry passed away quickly and peacefully on November 24, 2018 in Arlington, VA. He recently celebrated his 100th Birthday with friends and family, Harry always said he wanted to be here as long as he could!
He was the husband of the late Frances Lederman (Wolf) and is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Steve Cohen of Annandale, VA and Marsha Lederman and Art Schwartz of Arlington, VA and grandchildren Zachary and Genna Schwartz, both of Brooklyn, NY and siblings, Pauline Reitzfeld (Izzy), Annette Cohen (Henry-deceased), Barbara Gray (Marvin), Marvin Lederman (Brenda).
Harry was born in Rochester, where he worked alongside his father selling produce on the streets of the city from a horse drawn cart. He served in the US Army during World War II, achieving the rank of Sergeant and teaching other soldiers to drive the big trucks. Harry and Fran married in 1944, having been sweethearts from the age of 15.
After the war, Harry and Fran owned the successful and innovative Wolf’s Market on East Avenue for nearly four decades. He was ahead of his time as he brought monthly billing, home deliveries, frozen foods and Vie de France bread to the grocery business and introduced Rochester to many gourmet foods.
After retiring, Fran and he enjoyed traveling to countries around the globe, often visiting Jewish communities where they could converse in Yiddish with local residents. Harry enjoyed bowling for many years and took up golf once he retired.
He loved telling stories of his long life, and was telling stories of his time in the army just days before he passed.
Harry and Fran were active in the Yiddish Club in Rochester and at Rainberry Bay in Del Ray Beach. Harry was also a long-time member of Temple Beth El in Rochester and two congregations in Delray Beach. He raised funds for the United Jewish Appeal for many years.
Harry impressed the staff and residents at the assisted living in Arlington these last three years with his sense of humor, kindness, and strength to the end.
He will be interred next to Fran in the Knights of Pythias section of Britton Road Cemetery.
There will be a short service in the cemetery chapel on FRIDAY November 30, 2018 at 2:30 PM in Britton Road Cemetery for anyone who can attend. Click HERE for a map to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the ACLU Foundation, Hadassah.org, or AJWS.org
