He was a brilliant teacher, totally gifted, and he made fourth grade one of the special and transforming years of my life. His love of history not as mere chronology but as a procession of wonder lastingly affected the way I saw the world; I remember a story he'd tell about an ancient pot in his collection, his favorite vessel of all because the potter had left a fingerprint in the clay. A trace of his presence on the earth. Another time he unfurled a world map and asked us what could change its political lines; the answer was war. He had a great wit, a deep love of his family, both evident in  wonderfully told stories, one of which involved sweats on a hot summer night and a pair of new, not-yet-washed, brightly-dyed pajamas combining to ruin fancy bedsheets when he first stayed with his wife's parents. We were the luckiest fourth graders, what a gift to have known him, and I'll never forget him.

I am grateful for your beautiful beautiful friendship.
I ll cary your love for the rest of my life.
Matthias alias Puccini

Thinking of the kindness of Mel and his family at their summer cottage on the lake.  04/23/2021

There are only a few teachers who you remember all your life.  Melvin Fingerhut was my 6th grade teacher 60 years ago in New Hyde Park.  When he bought the class to the Museum of Natural History, it was no ordinary grade school field trip.  Even as young kids, we could sense his love for antiquity and scholarship.  It was infectious.  The trip was completed with a visit to the stately Riverside Drive apartment. My aspirational ideal to this day.

The first time I met Mel was in the spring of 1964 when we first arrived in the U.S. It was in the apartment on Riverside Drive. I remember being impressed, even as a 10-year-old, by his beautiful, resonant voice and his good looks.
Mel was intelligent with a wide range of interests. He seemed a generally happy person, easy-going, easy to please, the kind that doesn't bore easily due to a wide range of interests.  I'll bet it was hard to rattle him or anger him. He was friendly, yet somewhat reserved at the same time. 
I have a scene in my memory of him working in the hallway outside the apartment cleaning some Pre-Colombian statue wearing the glasses that your grandmother had used for electrolysis. 
How did he and your mother meet? I never heard that story.
I offer my condolences. I know from personal experience when my father passed away, that no matter how much you think you are prepared for the moment, when it hits you find that you are not prepared at all.
I am now (with time on my hands due to Covid-19) translating letters written by your both your grandparents just after the war to your grandmother's sisters and brother. They reveal a lot about their lives and the kind of caring people they were. 
I would like to send you the translations.
Please send me your personal e mail to shulakopf1@gmail.com
We have lost touch over the years, for which I am sorry. 
I'll be glad to hear from you.
I was looking for a photo I took of your parents about ten years ago to upload here, but couldn't find it quickly enough. When I do, I'll send it.
Warm regards,
Shula 

OBITUARIO

Melvin Fingerhut

17 marzo, 1927 – 22 abril, 2020

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