Milt Sirota was the personification of a life well lived, defined by his unique heart and soul as well as his great humility and self deprecating nature. The amount of lives he touched and positively influenced for so long is incalculable. 

So thankful that our paths crossed, and from 1968-1971, we all had the good fortune to learn from him and be a guiding influence for us. It's no wonder that we looked up to him from day one at Forest Hills, continued to look up to him and seek his counsel from time to time years later, and continued to respect and be inspired by him as a standard of excellence and achievement. 

All of us were so fortunate to have been able to learn from Mr. Sirota/Coach, relatively early in our lives many of the qualities and disciplines that one calls upon throughout life - integrity; a strong work ethic; desire and determination; preparation, commitment, perseverance and tenacity. All learned from Milt Sirota so many years ago. 

Thoughts and prayers with the entire family. May Milt Sirota's memory and legacy always be a blessing. Thank you for everything.  

Mr. Sirota was unforgettable. He looked so intimidating, but was always helping students in a jam, or managing the team. And he was far more approachable than the principal. 


I just wanted to send my condolences to the family of Milt Sirota.   I had the distinct pleasure of being a student at FHHS while he was working there. In addition, he had me come to Camp MaHoGe. Where I worked as a waiter and counselor.   He always provided guidance and positive reinforcement. Even though I lost touch,  I’m glad to see that he had a great life and a beautiful and wonderful family surrounding him


I was one of the fortunate students that benefitted from the kindness, guidance and wisdom of Mr. Sirota, a deep influence in those key years where immaturity can easily be the road to ruin. Instead M r. Sirota helped set me off on a course that has not only done me well but I believe those around me.

He encouraged me to develop the few talents I possessed and never let me take the easy way out. I wasn't athletic enough to run on the track team but he made me a manager, which had few demands and even fewer required skills. But it did create a chance to make friends and to spend too many Saturdays in a noisy, drafty armory in Washington Heights, clocking our team as they raced around the track. 

He even invited me to Camp MaHoGe as a waiter, and off I went to spend a summer serving a rowdy battalion of kids, and earnestly trying to break any dishes. I can report success.

To his family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences on your loss, and perhaps you can find some solace that his life was well lived and that he set a path for many others.  Fred

My thoughts and prayers are with the Sirota Family.  Milt was a larger than life figure to all who knew him.  To know Milt was to love him. Too many times to list, too many lessons and values learned  to list. His generous spirit and love for all , made me a better person and I’m for sure not alone .  Milt will forever remain in the wonderful memories from Ma-ho-ge for the 14 years I was a camper and a counselor .... and always in my heart .

Milt was the absolutely beloved head tennis counselor for many many years at Trails End Camp. He was eternally kind as well as  sharp and an excellent teacher. We all loved him- and his voice made us all feel we were home again when we came back to camp. He also participated and often led Shabbat services. I can hear his voice like it was yesterday.  God rest his soul.

Milt Sirota (Mr. Sirota/Coach Sirota) taught me and so many others about life, both on and off the basketball court and on the track team, during our time together at FHHS during 1966-1969. In many ways he really was one of those rare bigger than life individuals that one meets so rarely in a lifetime. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Uncle Milty was the Assistant  Principal  at Forest  Hills  High School.  I got in trouble  a few times and was sent to his office.He sat me down and calmly explained  what I did wrong and told me in a very stern and loud voice,I have the best punishment  for you.  He made me work in his office doing errands and busy work. It straighten  me right out and I never  stepped  out of line again. He was a very caring and special  man with a big heart and a louder voice. We need more people  in this world to be and act  like Milty Sirota. 

Head Counselor Dean of the Hill School, Great Person
Camp  Mahogee 1966-1968, Forest Hills HS 1966-1969
I remember his devotion to his campers and Students
A truly great person, I think of him often.


We were neighbors of the Sirota’s in Westbury Long Island. From the very first day that they moved into the neighborhood Milt took an interest in all of the kids on the block. Teaching us games or taking us to track meets it was clear even to us young kids that Milt was a special person. 
For a number of summers when Milt and his family went away to camp, he paid me to water his lawn. 
In the summer of 1969 I went to Woodstock with 6 of my friends. There was a sleep away camp down the road from the festival. We slipped into this camp late one night to forage some food and came across the girls bunks. We chatted with them and they made us peanut butter sandwiches. The security folks and the camp elders, alerted to our presence, surrounded us and march into an office about to charge us with trespassing. The door swings open and in marches the camp director furious at this apparent security breach. 
It’s Milt Sirota! He looks down the line at this muddy motley crew of trespassers and when his eyes meet mine he screams out loud, “Whose watering my god damn lawn “ He took us all to the cafeteria and feed us hamburgers and ice cream. 
We all loved Milt. He truly was a wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace. 

Mr Sirota was a mensch. I knew him mostly from my time on the track team in the late 1960s. He taught us to “extend” ourselves. And during the tough years of adolescence made us feel safe. His memory is a blessing. Condolences to the family and all who loved him.

I know My words join a chorus of hundreds if not thousands of FHHS students who were touched by Milton Sirota. He had the unique gift of making you feel special and important and was a beacon of educational excellence at Forest Hills High School . That we are mourning him almost 35 years after we graduated speaks volumes . I hope his family knows of the important impact he made on all of us simply because he cared. Sending much peace and strength ...

Coach Sirota was 1 tough guy. That gravely voice. The sternness when he was yelling at You .  Sometimes you never know how much someone truly cares. When i needed to talk Coach Always listened. I can hear that gravely voice now saying "Silitsky pick that head up when You run." I miss You Coach. You were A Truly Special Man. In my heart You will Always be. Those who knew this Special Man were all blessed.   Rest In Glory.

Ran track for coach for three years 1968 - 70. Don't think I would have graduated if it wasn't for coach. Rest with Grace. 

I remember Mr. Sirota from my 4 years at Forest Hills HS. During my years at FHHS I knew that I did not want to end up on his bad side. He was tough. He believed in discipline. But, he always listened. As I grew older I learned to appreciate him and his toughness. We need more Mr. Sirotas these days. Rest In Peace sir. Thank you for everything. ❤️

Mr sirota was one of the best. He was kind and understanding. Dont get me wrong, he was stern when he needed to be .  He was always there for me when i needed help and always had great advice. Rest in peace mr sirota.  

Milt Sirota was the Assistant Principal for all three of my years at Forest Hills High School from 1981-1984. He was equal parts disciplinarian - keeping the halls safe and academic counselor - I could always stop into his office and ask his advice or for his opinion. In a school of over 2,500 students he truly knew me as an individual and even wrote one of my college recommendations. I have always cherished what he wrote in my yearbook. I am saddened to hear of the passing of such a great man and school administrator. 

Mr Sirota supported me from the moment I entered Forest Hills HS. Even before I was admitted he was there helping my parents and I make the transition from JHS to HS smooth and easy. Although he occasionally was tough on us, he did it out of  love, I think-A really old school, amazing man. I really appreciated him and his caring ways all through HS and beyond. 

I remember him from my days in High School, and I may not have noticed it at that time but looking back I could tell he genuinely cared about the students and I appreciate the work that he did for so many kids trying to find their way in the world.

Milt was a great personable gym teacher and camp counselor. I never forgot my great experiences.

OBITUARY

Milton Sirota

September 10, 1922 – June 5, 2019

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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