Howard H. Schack

Howard H. Schack, 89 years old, passed away after a short illness. Born on a kitchen table in Spring Valley, on September 20, 1927, he was the son of Joseph Schack and Blanche (née Greenberger). He was known as “Harvey” by old friends and family. He was also known as “Hershel”, during his many years working in the intelligence community, with many trips, at high risk to himself, to many international hot spots. He never divulged the details of these trips or this secret life to his family, including his loving wife, Ruth (née Rosenbaum) until years later.

Harvey was a polymath – gifted and accomplished in many pursuits: as a sculptor and artist, cartoonist, the author of seven books, lecturer, a master gardener, and craftsman. Everything he touched was a work of art. He was president of Joseph Schack Glass Company and Schack Industries, a field officer of the Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (Mossad), a member of the Rockland County Anti-Terrorism Analytical Group (ATAG), a 32nd degree member of the Order of Masons, Athelstane Lodge No. 839, a founding member of Temple Beth El, member of Historical Society of Rockland County, and Past President of Hellman Memorial Chapels.

He leaves his beloved wife Ruth and sons Michael (Toby), Barton (Susan), Paul (Anne), David (Karen), ten grandchildren (Rebecca, Zoe, Ariel (Lior), Ilana, Benjamin, Sophia, Joseph, Elizabeth, Rachel, Aaron), one great-grandson (Aidan), and two step grandsons (Zachary and Joshua Bronstein), as well as many life-long friends and colleagues. He will be sorely missed. Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 14, 9:00 AM, at Hellman Memorial Chapels, Spring Valley, NY. Interment will follow at Congregation Sons of Israel Cemetery, New Hempstead, NY. Shiva will commence Wednesday, April 19. Hamakom yenachem.

Arrangements under the direction of Hellman Memorial Chapels, Spring Valley, NY.