Maxwell H. Fielding's Obituary
Maxwell Fielding, of Boynton Beach, Florida, died peacefully in his sleep on January 11, 2023. His wife, Tamara Fielding, whom he loved deeply and steadily, was by his side.
Maxwell was a remarkably dependable, conscientious, and fair-minded man. He was also kind and caring in a quiet, low-key way. He loved his family and was always accepting of life choices family members made. People who worked with him said many times that Maxwell was a genuinely nice man, who was not just professional but truly friendly. Further, Maxwell always showed respect for people of different backgrounds and beliefs, and he passed on this ethical legacy to his children.
Maxwell was born in New York City on March 15, 1928, to Abraham and Arline Friedopfer. He grew up mainly in Forest Hills, in the borough of Queens, and attended local public schools. He was valedictorian of his high school class. Anticipating his family's move to Los Angeles, Maxwell attended college for a year at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). When it became clear that his family planned to remain in Queens, Maxwell returned home. He graduated with a BA in history from Queens College, City University of New York. About this time, Maxwell began working alongside his brother, Marty, in their father's furniture store, Lyons, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Maxwell and Marty ultimately became co-owners of Lyons, where Maxwell spent his whole career.
In 1949, Maxwell married Wilma Guth, from the Bronx, NYC. The couple made their home in Huntington, where they raised their two sons, Glen and Randy Fielding. Maxwell and Wilma were married for about 30 years. Max taught his sons to look for balance in all things, to invest in education, to prioritize their health, and to lead with a smile. He also taught them to be reliable and consistent, but not rigidly consistent, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”
Maxwell married Tamara Hillman in 1983. He and Tamara had a close, loving relationship for the next forty years. Tamara's two children, Daniel and Jessica, along with Glen and Randy, became a vital part of Maxwell's family life.
Together with Tamara, Maxwell ventured into the real estate business in his fifties and ultimately achieved considerable success. He and Tamara owned properties in California, New York, and Florida.
For most of their years together, Maxwell and Tamara lived in Northport, Long Island. In their senior years, while living in Northport for most of the year, they began spending several months each year in Boynton Beach, where Tamara continues to live.
Maxwell was a good ballroom dancer and, especially as he grew into middle age and his senior years, loved to cut loose on the dance floor at parties and family celebrations. He also became quite the kidder, telling slightly salty jokes when the occasion seemed right.
As a longtime member of the Huntington business community, Maxwell participated actively in
Rotary Club and developed friendships with many Rotarians. He liked being part of a service-
oriented community group.
Late in life, Maxwell became a most able and accomplished First Mate, learning to drop anchor, guide the mooring, and tie the rigging on the twin engine power boat that he and Tamara made into a floating martini bar--where Maxwell would make cocktails on the foredeck for their fellow Power Squadron shipmates on many excursions in and about Long Island Sound. He even sailed with Tamara as far as West Point on the Hudson, Block Island, and Montauk Point. His seamanship was only exceeded by his skill in mixology.
Maxwell is survived by his wife, Tamara, and his children, Glen and Randy Fielding, stepchildren Daniel Hillman and Jessica Lievendag, and five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.
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