Harold Chaiten

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Harold Chaiten, 93, who died peacefully at the David Simpson Hospice House of the Hospice of Western Reserve, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Born on December 6, 1931, in Rahway, New Jersey, to Louis and Pauline Chaiten, Harold cherished his life and all of the people in it. He was warm, loving— and hilarious! Everyone who met him adored him and his endless stories. He enjoyed sharing his many theories about how to live a good and healthy life—or some home-grown hibiscus or thyme for therapeutic use (see photo). Until the very end, all of those who encountered him were awed by his sharpness and wit.

Harold grew up in New Jersey and came to Ohio to attend Case Institute of Technology, where he studied mathematics and electrical engineering. In Cleveland, he met the love of his life, Sylvia Moliff, whom he married in 1956. After working as a consultant to the military, he joined General Electric’s light division. Harold and Sylvia moved back and forth between Ohio and New Jersey several times, finally settling in Cleveland in 1967. Harold left General Electric in 1971 and became an investment advisor, retiring in 2007.

Harold is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sylvia; his older sister, Norma Kupersmidt of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; his four children: Ellen McConnell (Robert McConnell), Lorie Chaiten (Harold Hirshman), Jodi Chaiten (Dr. Corinne Daprano), and Louis Chaiten (Cynthia Chaiten); ten grandchildren: Dr. Alison Dachner (Joel), Ashley Lanphear, Dr. Samuel Hirshman (Dr. Nam Vera Chau), Dr. Emma Hirshman (Samuel Smith), Braden McConnell (Lilith Richter-Stephenson), Jacob Hirshman (Laura Hietamies), Edith Chaiten, Antonio Chaiten, Lillian Chaiten, and Matteo Chaiten; and six great-grandchildren: Liesel Dachner, Benjamin Lanphear, Daphne Dachner, Maxton Lanphear, Aaron Dachner, and Asher Hirshman. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Louis and Pauline Chaiten; his brother, David Chaiten; and his half-brother, Raymond Chaiten.

Contributions may be made to: Friendship Circle (www.friendscleveland.com/HalChaiten); B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, Chaiten Family Fund for Jewish Arts (www.bnaijeshurun.org); and David Simpson Hospice House (www.hospicewr.org).

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, 27501 Fairmount Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH, followed by burial at Bet Olam Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed at: https://www.bnaijeshurun.org/moskowitz-sanctuary-live-stream

The family will sit shiva (receive friends) at the home of Louis and Cindy Chaiten, 17551 Shaker Blvd. on:

Tuesday 7/22 from 3-5 and 6-8;

Wednesday 7/23 from 2-4 and 6-8;

Thursday 7/24 from 2-4 and 6-8;

Friday 7/25 from 2-4; and

Sunday 7/27 from 2-5.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Arrangements are being made by Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.