Hyman Ozer's Obituary
Hyman Ozer, aged 93, passed away on July 14, 2024, in Delray Beach, FL. Born on November 9, 1930, in New York City, he was a first-generation American, the youngest child of Sophie and Samuel Ozer and the youngest brother to six siblings.
His love for friends, family and tradition was profound. He married Judy back in 1956 celebrating over 68 years of marriage last October. They were a couple with a rich social life who seemed to pick up friendships wherever they traveled and lived. There was the Honeymoon Crowd they met at the Nevele Hotel, then there was the London crowd, the Jericho Crowd, the Lake Louise Marie crowd and finally, Villa Borghese in Delray. Their calendar was always full.
The only one of his siblings to attend college, he was a proud alumnus of CCNY, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s in Education from Queens College. His dedication to education spanned over 30 years with the NYC Board of Education, where he began his career as an English teacher and later excelled as a guidance counselor and Assistant Principal. After his retirement from the NYC school system, he continued his career as the Principal of General Studies at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway. Touching so many students’ lives was one of his crowning achievements. Over the years, there would be so many students who would recount just how “Mr. Ozer” had changed the trajectory of their lives in such meaningful ways. With books dedicated in his honor, parties to celebrate him, he took such pride in knowing that his mentorship had a significant impact.
With summers off, Hy and Judy made the Catskills their home for over 40 years. These were treasured times. In the late 50s and early 60’s, with Jill and Ross in tow, they ventured first towards bungalow colonies where Hy cut his teeth at being a head counselor. He was instantly beloved. From there, Hy and Judy championed our way to sleepaway camps where he brought his unique stamp of leadership and created experiences that built lasting memories for all. Like his turn in education, camping proved a place where he had profound impact on kids’ lives. A revered leader to so many, he took great pride in keeping touch with campers as adults throughout his life.
Hy was the kind of guy that jumped into leadership positions in the community. At Villa Borghese he introduced a Broadway series where he was responsible for booking talent and managing subscriptions. While it came with the imagined headaches, he reveled in creating shared experiences and things to look forward to. He and Judy also co-wrote the community newspaper for years. It was his background as an English Teaching and editing skills that often proved invaluable to his grandchildren. He would kvell at being sent their essays, having the opportunity to praise their work and then return it back with all the necessary grammar or punctuation corrections typically leading to terrific grades.
Back in the day, their house in Jericho was holiday central for Jewish holidays with friends and family. It was a time when everyone lived in the New York area and life was filled with family visits and family simchas. Hy was the uncle that made many weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs extra special. He would set celebratory lyrics to the latest showtunes and blow everyone away with his talent for capturing the moment so perfectly. He was also the family photographer. There wasn’t an event that he went to where he didn’t fill an entire camera role to share with the hosts.
Proud of his faith, Yeshiva educated, he grew into the congregant who sang the loudest, always on key and always in harmony. His love of Judaism spanned all traditions. He brought a keen ability to daven and carry a service so lovingly. When in Florida, he’d cherish his time at Chabad with his daughter’s family and when in Newton, at Beth Avodah, a reform congregation, with his son’s family. Wherever he went, he was loved and welcomed for his vibrant participation.
Hyman leaves behind his loving wife, Judy Ozer, his daughter Jill Poser and son-in-law David Kammet, his son Ross Ozer and son-in-law Scott Gortikov, and his cherished grandchildren Matthew, Jake, Sam, and Danny. He is also survived by his brother Jack Ozer. Hyman was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sophie Ozer, and his siblings Helen Miller, Esther Kuperman, Sonny Shugar, and Diana Eskanizy.
Funeral services will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652 on Wednesday, July 17 at 10:45am. The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of grandson, Jake Poser, NYC, NY, on Thursday, July 18th and Friday, July 19th between the hours of 11:00A – 1:00P and 2:30P – 6:00P. Jill Poser-Kammet, will be observing Shiva back in Boca Raton, FL, from Sunday, July 21 through Tuesday, July 23 between the hours of 11:00A – 1:00P and 2:30 – 6:00P.
Hy’s life was a testament to his dedication to education, family, and community, leaving a legacy of profound impact and enduring love.
For those not able to attend the funeral, here is the Zoom link so you may attend virtually.
http://www.hyozer.com/
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