Joseph S. Schonfeld

Joseph Samuel Schonfeld was born on January 16, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY to Luca (known as Lou) and Gittel (known as Gussie) Schonfeld. Joe was predeceased by his loving parents, brother David and sister-in-law Tess, and sister Sylvia and brother-in-law Irving. Joe is survived by his highly devoted bride of 72 years, Miriam (known as Mitzy), and attentive and protective children Linda and son-in-law Bruce, son Marc, who went beyond all measure to do everything for his folks in NJ, his 2 loving and attentive grandchildren Allison and Serena as well as his granddaughter-in-law Kristi and his darling great-grandchildren Klay and Leah. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews who kept in close touch with visits and phone calls, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews as well. Also,

Joe maintained friendships for many decades with those dear to him who were considered more like family.

Joe worked in the Import Export business for many years, becoming Vice President of one company before retiring to Florida. He loved the warm South Florida weather in fall and winter and enjoyed the cool, fresh air of the Catskill Mountains where he and Mitzy spent 23 summers.

Joe loved the swing music of the Big Band era, and knew all the lyrics to the songs popular in the 1940s and 50s. He and Mitzy enjoyed traveling to Israel and many countries throughout Europe over the course of several years. In Staten Island he tended his backyard with huge sunflowers, smaller flowers, and bushes. Indoor plants never died on his watch.

Most of all, Joe was known for his desire to help others in whatever capacity he could, and for enthusiastically enjoying the company of his family, dear friends, and even those with whom he came in recent contact.

The family thanks you especially for engaging with him in life, and for honoring his memory.

If you care to make a donation you may do so to HIAS, an organization that helps diverse legal immigrants get settled in the US. The website is HIAS.org.