Bruce M. Familant
My Uncle Harold was possibly the smartest and most humble person I knew. He was extremely logical, and he had a great sense of humor. He was a perfect blend of Leonard Nimoy and Chevy Chase.
He worked for Monsanto's carpet fiber division as a physicist during which time he developed a patent that enables carpet fibers to maintain their shape. So anyone who has ever walked on carpet that doesn't look matted after heavy use has my Uncle Harold to thank!
Uncle Harold was also a great teacher. Math has never been my friend. I always had math tutors in middle school, high school, and even college. During the summer before 9th grade, my parents made me attend summer school in Virginia Beach for pre-algebra. To make matters worse, my dad locked my fishing rods in the trunk of his car that summer, and the only way I could get them back was to get a B. Virginia Beach Public Schools used a six-point grading scale, unlike the Newport News Public School system, which used a ten-point grading scale. It was not looking good for me. Luckily, Uncle Harold came to visit that summer. He spent many hours with me on gorgeous beach days at the kitchen table patiently explaining math concepts. Thanks to Uncle Harold, I got a B in that class, and I was able to free my fishing rods from jail!
Aside from being a genius, Uncle Harold had a great sense of humor. One time while visiting Uncle Harold in Pensacola, he took my parents, brother, and me fishing at a well-known fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico. When it came time to purchase bait, the bait shop attendant produced a 16-inch frozen mullet to use as cut bait. Upon seeing the large size of the mullet, Uncle Harold's eyes got huge, and he exclaimed, "We should just get four of those and call it a day!"
There was also the time that he had just returned from Hebrew Cemetery with my dad and Uncle Larry after visiting their parents' graves. Someone asked them, "Was anyone there?" Without missing a beat, Uncle Harold replied, "Yes. There were lots of people there!"
Uncle Harold was a devoted son to his mother, my grandmother Dina. And he was a loyal middle brother to my dad, the eldest of the trio, and to the youngest, my Uncle Larry. Also, he was very proud of his kids, Beth and Glenn, who both became medical professionals and parents.
I also remember that Uncle Harold was a good dancer. I vividly recall him dancing at every bar/bat mitzvah party, wedding party, and any party that had music.
Uncle Harold was also not afraid to show his emotions. I recall a time when my dad and Lynne were still living in Virginia Beach when Uncle Harold came for dinner. After dinner, the four of us watched the episode of Britain's Got Talent where Susan Boyle first performed. I couldn't help notice the tears rolling down Uncle Harold's cheeks as Susan Boyle received rave reviews from the three judges.
It is hard to believe that Unlce Harold is no longer alive. But he will never be gone. He left a positive mark on this world and all who knew him. I will miss him and his unique laugh. Uncle Harold's middle initial was "M" for "Melvin." In my mind, it will forever be "M" for "Mensch."