Charles Hyman

Charles "Chuck" Hyman died February 2, 2022 at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City following a brief, and devastating battle with bacterial meningitis. He’s survived by his wife Judith Liebman, his sister Fran, his sons Jake Hyman and Max Reiss, daughters-in-law Vanessa and Kelley, and his beloved grandchildren Eli and Sydney. After entering the world July 27, 1949 to Milt and Ruth Hyman in Mineola, NY, Chuck would go on to fill the world with laughter, and became a model of what an involved and caring parent and husband looked like.

Chuck’s entire world centered around his family. He left Hofstra University before graduation with the express purpose of supporting his mother and father. He viewed this as an obligation to his father, who suffered from physical and psychological wounds from his service in World War 2.

In 1977, he would be set up on a blind date to meet the love of his life, Judith Liebman. They married in 1980 in Judith’s mother’s backyard in Harrison, NY. They started their lives together in New York City where their two boys were born. Jake came first in 1983, followed by Max in 1986. Chuck insisted to Judith that he only wanted one child, but over lo mein and dumplings she convinced him that Jake needed someone to play with, and along came Max.

He loved golf, not because he was particularly talented, but because it was a place to laugh, tell stories, and enjoy others’ company. Great food was a mainstay for Chuck, taking his family to the best steakhouses and breakfast spots in New York City.

Chuck was the perfect dad. He took the family to countless sporting events, annual trips to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan, memorable family vacations, and he attended every single sporting event and milestone for his boys. He would always say that his sons were his, “finest work.” Up until his death, his entire world revolved around his family, with special attention to his twin grandchildren Eli and Sydney.

Grandpa Chucky, or Chucky Night Night, as he was known, would drive up to Connecticut each weekend with Judith to see his grandchildren. Sometimes it would be to see holiday lights. Other visits were to go to the park to push the kids in bucket swings. Each visit always included ordering takeout on Saturday nights. All he wanted to do was spend time with his grandchildren, and as a bonus, he saw his son and daughter-in-law with each trip.

Chuck travelled the world with his love, Judith. They shared experiences in Hawaii, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Monaco, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Egypt, Spain, and Turkey.

With a gregarious personality, the best sense of humor imaginable, and an ability to work any room with a smile and a roar, Chuck found a career in office furniture sales in New York City. It was a perfect fit. He always loved interior design and had an appreciation for high quality products, and he would climb the ranks of the office furniture sales industry for the next five decades. After stints at ICF and Knoll, Chuck became an industry leader at Empire Office as a Vice President, nurturing talent, and developing a strong book of business. He would leave Empire Office for Dancker Sellew & Douglas, and later return to Empire, where he ended his career. No one looked better in a suit giving a sales pitch than Chuck Hyman.

Professionally, he always thought of others. He’d refer people for new positions, even if that meant more work for him in the short-term. He would show up to job sites with donuts, pastries, and coffee to provide a small token of appreciation for those making sure the furniture he sold was delivered and installed properly. He would use this same approach when showing gratitude for the nurses who provided medical care to his love, Judith, who faced various health struggles in recent years. His final weeks circulated around Judith, ensuring her every need was met.

His death was sudden and heartbreaking, but Chuck left behind a beautiful legacy, and he will not be forgotten.