Irving Halper

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lenore; as well as their five children and spouses: Ed (Laurie); James (Rivka); Dara (Michael); Ellen (Bill); and Nanette (Andy).

Irv will also always be loved by 11 grand-children and two great grand-children, as well as the extended Halper clan of over 200 people.

Irv was the youngest of an immigrant family of 10 children in Newark. He was very proud of his family’s history and Jewish heritage, and always spoke of his brother Lou’s professional boxing career. Irv and his brothers built Halper Brothers Paper Company from a pushcart operation in Newark’s South Ward to a successful Restaurant and Janitorial supply company in Elizabeth, that spanned three generations.

Irv and Lenore lived in several locales in Union and Essex Counties, and raised their family in Springfield, where he was a familiar, smiling face to almost everyone in the town. He and Lenore had a wide group of friends, who they shared vacations and good times with.

One of Irv’s great memories was coaching and sponsoring Little League baseball. He was always fair and gave each kid a fair shot, no matter their ability. The Halper Brothers team that won the town championship in the early 70’s is still recalled by all who played on it!

His final years were split between Boca Raton, Fla., and Livingston, but he never forgot his Newark roots, and had many life-long friends and acquaintances from his South Side High School days. Irv had few material needs, always driving Chevrolet station wagons and most comfortable in a polo shirt and shorts. He was very generous to his family, various charities, and assorted strangers who would be lucky enough to meet him.

Leisure interests included attending boxing matches, from Golden Gloves to heavyweight championship fights; travel, and mostly, spending time with all generations of his family.

Services were conducted on Wednesday, February 10th. Contributions can be made to FIDF (Friends of Israeli Defense Forces).com

Irv lived a full and loving life. His kind personality will be his legacy.