Irwin "Irv" Arthur Barath

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Irwin “Irv” Arthur Barath. Born on Sept. 4, 1930 in Los Angeles to Max Barath and Evelyn Itkin Barath, Irv remained an only child, growing up in Boyle Heights. He served in the Airforce for four years, which is where he began his long career in finances. He married Natalie Newman on July 24, 1954 in Reynosa, Mexico for the civil ceremony and then on August 29, 1954 in Monterrey for the religious ceremony. August 29th is the date they used to celebrate their anniversaries and were honored when their granddaughter chose the same date for her wedding. Together, Irv and Natalie had 3 children: Marsha, Freida, and Jacob; together with their spouses Moti Schneider, Henry Donzis, and Heidi Barath, they amassed 7 grandchildren: Sarah Donzis Kestenbaum and her husband, David; Elissa Donzis and her significant other, Dave; Joey Donzis and his wife, Jagni; Oren Schneider and his wife, Daria; Leor Schneider; Ethan Barath; and Alec Barath. He had recently celebrated the birth of his two great-grandchildren, Henry and James Kestenbaum. Irv was predeceased by his son-in-law, Henry, and daughter, Marsha. While Irv was born an only child, around the age of 40, he met Bernard Shaenfield, whom his family would come to describe as a brother to him.

Irv was very involved in the Jewish Community: he was president for B’Nai B’Rith, involved with the Jewish War Veterans, Agudas Achim Brotherhood, Hillel Board, and Hebrew Free Loan. He was also involved with American Legions. He was very proud to be a part of all of these organizations and volunteered his time in their different endeavors such as setting up chairs for Fiesta, serving meals to the military during holidays, picnics, Bingo, etc. Central to Irv’s effectiveness in his volunteer work was his willingness to embrace technology. During the pandemic, he attended Zoom meetings (although you might only see his forehead) and would stream the High Holy Day services and attended the regularly scheduled Friday night and Saturday morning services.

Lovingly called Tio Irv by his nieces and nephews in Israel and Zayde by his grandchildren, Irv loved visiting his Israeli family and spending time with his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Generally more quiet and reserved, especially next to his wife, Irv’s wit and sense of humor would sometimes catch people off guard. His grandchildren and nieces and nephews would only need to see the mischievous smile growing across his face to know that he was about to do something funny/mischievous. He loved egging on family members when they would tease Natalie about the Aggies over her beloved Longhorns. Although he never liked putting stickers on his cars, when he found out that his grandsons had put A&M magnets on Natalie’s car, he secretly kept the prank alive and would replace them every time she removed them. He loved watching their favorite football teams with Natalie and would often tease Natalie when her Longhorns or Saints weren’t doing well. He loved the Cowboys but when they were faltering, he would call them the “cowgirls”.

Irv claimed to only understand English while his wife would fluidly transition between English and Spanish; you could often rely on Irv to coyly reply to Natalie with, “gesundheit,” or to end an interaction with his famous, “much grass/hasty banana.” It never stopped being funny.

He will truly be missed, but his entire family graciously holds dear the everlasting memories they have of Irv.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

3:30 PM

AGUDAS ACHIM MEMORIAL GARDENS

For those unable to attend, services will be livestreamed below.

Honorary pallbearers are: Joey Donzis, Oren Schneider, Leor Schneider, Ethan Barath, Alec Barath, Herschel Sheiness, Bernard Shaenfield, and David Kestenbaum.

Donations in his memory can be made to B’Nai B’Rith, Hebrew Free Loan, Jewish War Veterans, Hillel, Agudas Achim Men’s club, American Legion, or the charity of your choice.