Jack D. Kind

Born in Hungary to young Holocaust Survivors he came to the United States as a three year old and grew up in the Bronx, NY. Jack attended Clinton High School and Studied Drafting afterwards. He worked alongside his father framing houses, learning the generations old family trade of construction. Eventually, he moved north to New Paltz and settled in Poughkeepsie, NY.

He is the father to 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. Jack had extraordinary natural aptitude for making immediate interpersonal connections with people. This was best exhibited in interactions with children who gravitated to his charisma, entertained by coin tricks, gags and a well-placed joke. In the last chapter of his life he reveled more than anything in those precious interactions with his grandchildren.

Jack created a true local small business in the Hudson Valley. Starting in 1969, he built hundreds of backyard pools and hot tubs, decks and additions and other home services for people throughout the region. He employed a range of people from the community including construction and service crews, students and college kids in his retail shop, high school coaches and teachers as sales people… he supported other local businesses in partnerships and collaborations. Jack was kind-hearted, sponsoring endless sports leagues, arts programs, school activities, theater groups and community events. In 1993 Jack was presented an award honoring those who contributed to The Make A Wish Foundation after he arranged for no cost swimming pools to be installed for several children with terminal illness.

In the final years of Jack’s life he was a caregiver and devoted Son to his aging Mother. To know Jack, his brothers and their mom is to see a family love and commitment that knows no limit. He cherished his daily talks with his brothers Eddie and Peter.

He will be remembered by many for his smile, funny nature, quick wit, unyielding charisma and practical wisdom.