Herbert Furman

FURMAN, Herbert passed away on October 16, 2011 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. He was 84, the eldest son of Louis and Marion Furman, and was a native of Brooklyn, NY. A WWII veteran, American Merchant Marine, he served in the Mediterranean Middle East and Atlantic War Zones. He was the recipient of commemorative certificates and war pins, including the State of New York Medal of Merit.

He was a retiree of St. Vincent’s Medical Center where he was the Supervisor of the Cabinet Shop 1970-1980, and St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was also employed for ten years,1980-1990 as a Shop Mechanic.

He held several state and local volunteer positions with AARP, including Community Coordinator, and President of the Riverside AARP Chapter. He was the Regional SE Vice President of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, and a candidate for National Vice President. He served two terms as President of the St. Johns River Chapter, AMMV, in Jacksonville. He was a Charter Member of Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club where he served as Vice President. Although he suffered the loss of an eye in a childhood accident, his talents were highly recognized in marksmanship, straight path, slow and rapid fire competition, and he held many medals from competitive matches from Connecticut, New Jersey and NY. He also enjoyed skeet shooting and archery, woodworking and computers. Mr. Furman was a Board Member of the Thomas Jefferson Civic Association, the AARP Westside Chapter, and local American Merchant Marine Veterans, St. Johns River Chapter. He was a past member of the NE Florida Veterans Council. He also held memberships in the Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society, St. Vincent’s Medical Center Retirees, St. Luke’s Hospital Retirees, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Mandarin Historical Society, and Museum of Arts and Science in Daytona Beach, FL. He was a life member of NRA.

Prior to moving to Jacksonville in 1961, he was employed as a furniture craftsman in Brooklyn, NY. In Jacksonville, he owned and operated Dee-Lux Custom Cabinets on 8th and Main Street until 1970. He personally designed and handcrafted cabinetry throughout St. Vincent’s and St. Luke’s, as well as in many of the Jacksonville landmark buildings, homes and offices throughout the city. He also worked on the Fuller Warren Bridge as a toll taker, where he was recognized for his speed and accuracy in handling transactions.

During his retirement years he and his wife spent leisure time at their beloved family home in Daytona Beach, where they enjoyed the beauty of the World’s Most Famous Beach, and the many historic sites throughout the area.

Mr. Furman is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa Haley Furman, and his two daughters,

Deborah Burke and Claudia Furman of New York, and his son-in-law Robert Burke. Other family include his brother Jerome Furman, nephews Howard Furman, Richard Warkenthien, and Billy Smith, niece Stephanie Van Hassell and great nieces and nephews, all residents of Long Island, NY. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Audrey Greer, and his niece Cheryl Smith. Extended family includes the children and grandchildren of the late Claudia L. Jackson of Jacksonville, Florida.

Following cremation, a graveside service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery on

Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11 AM. Honorary pallbearers will be George Carter, Wayne Baker, Arnold Lieberman, Dave Swan, John Simms, Dave Swisher and members of St. Johns’ River Chapter of American Merchant Marine Veterans. The Coast Guard will provide a flag presentation and a gun salute. Memorial contributions may be made to the AMMV, St. Johns River Chapter, PO. Box 600797, Jacksonville, FL 32260.

Heartfelt appreciation is expressed to the following medical professionals who provided compassionate care and concern throughout the years: Robert Buelow, MD, David Dalton, MD, Jose Garmendia, MD, Dana Harris, MD, Stanton Longenecker, MD, William Madison, MD, William Mentz, MD, Robert Still, MD,Joseph Stokes, MD, Walter Smithwick, MD, Thomas Szwed, MD, Roy Schnauss, MD, Robert Schnipper, MD, Daniel Wyzan, MD, Eric Schultz, DPM, Earl Horawitz, DPM, , Richard Stevenson, DDS, all of Jacksonville, and James Waumett, MD and Aron Newfield, DO, Ormond Beach, FL. Also appreciation is expressed to the staff at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Consolidated Lab in Jacksonville and Halifax Lab in Port Orange, FL and Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach for their professional services.

Arrangements were entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home 7242 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, Fl. 32205. Please sign the guest book at www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com