Herman “Hy” Finkelstein was born September 23, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second of three sons to Max and Ida Finkelstein, themselves first-generation immigrants from Europe. Hy joined the Marines while 17 and still in high school. In what would become a textbook example of Hy’s confidence, determination, and stubbornness, he told his father he needed a signature for a school form when it was actually a parental consent form for minor enlistment into the Marines. Hy would serve from 1942 to 1946, primarily in the South Pacific as a Private First Class on the USS Iowa and USS Springfield. When he came home, he quickly married his high-school sweetheart, Selma. They stayed married for 70 years until Selma passed in 2015. They had two beautiful daughters, Ronnie and Janet, whom they loved unconditionally. Hy worked his way up in a Manhattan jewelry company to be the chairman of the board for many years until his retirement in 1985. Selma and Hy left New York upon retirement to buy their first home in Florida—where they lived until their passing.
Hy was a unique combination of humor, intelligence, charisma, confidence, strength, and love. He would often caution people to never lose your sense of humor. As a man born in the depression who did his duty in the Second World War and provided for his family over the course of his 93 years, through sickness and health, he never did lose his sense of humor. He is survived by his daughters Ronnie and Janet, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends and family. He is finally resting in peace with Selma, where he is surely doting on her while occasionally sneaking away for a hot dog and donut.
Always a loving husband, father, and grandfather, in his heart family came first. He was also always a loyal friend and dutiful Marine. Hy was special, and he was loved. May all that knew him never forget him.
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