Haskell the Rascal. What a guy. It's so very hard to put into succinct words. This really feels like the end of an immense era – one that will certainly never be repeated, and one that is absolutely unforgettable. They simply don't make 'em like they used to. And they certainly didn't make anyone like my grandfather.

He was just the best guy, grandpa, an inspiration, and an enormous light. Can you imagine the life that this man crafted from next to nothing? His stories about growing up as the child of immigrants, working in his parents' deli, taking Molly out on their first date when they were about 16 years old and having to schmooze the soda fountain guy into serving a banana split to his girl when his pockets were nearly empty. Flash forward to his "junk man" days and then having the brilliance to break open a new industry, originate a recycling business, and having the gumption to literally go knocking door to door in every high rise in Chicago until enough people bit to make his vision a reality. That's really something. The chuzpah this man had! Drive, determination, the greatest lover of life, and even more of his family and friends. 

And WOW, what a fantastic sense of humor - I hear his lighthearted chuckle in my head now. I still vividly remember calling him up when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old, sitting at my little desk with a new joke book in my lap, and reading to him: "Grandpa, how do you make a raspberry swirl?" "How?" he asked. "You send it to ballet school!" "Ha!!!!" was the response, followed by shared belly laughs on both ends of the line. That may have actually been the longest phone call we've ever had, but it truly meant the world. He may not have been a huge phone guy, but in person, he was absolutely unmatched.

Hask was the master of stories, the king of chocolate, welcoming to all, and just such an all around mensch. Grandpapa (he got a real kick out of that nickname), you will be so deeply missed. I love you. Thank you for being ours.

My grandfather Haskell was the best grandpa anyone could possibly ask for.  He was a major guy, grand, charismatic, and more full of life than anyone I ever met. 

He was tough and funny, street and high culture, honest and kind, and brilliant at both business and generosity. Generous with his time, with his love. His decades-long marriage to Molly was one of the greatest relationships I've ever seen. Two people of such great stature. 

He served his country in WWII. He was the best of America, the best of Jewishness, the best of Jewish-Americanness—and the best friend I ever had.  

Towards the end of his life, he was suffering from a lot of pain, and I asked how he was always so happy. "Because every day I wake up and I know there's something to learn, and I've always felt that way." 

I will take all of that with me, even though what I feel most right now is the loss of immense presence who is never coming back, who every day I wish was still here.

This journey with my father in his extended last chapter, now sends me back to my own sphere.  

Soon I won't be in their home, the physical realm that triggers the extraordinary memories.  

My heart will own all my parents imbued: respect and awe for the voice of those who strive to add beauty.

An Ace of an example for living a full intentional and thoughtful life  .
A blessing to have known him.
CHEERS TO HASKELL

My Dad: Whose face never looked tired, despite the white hair--the long hours spent reinventing his approach.  His prominent, aqua-blue eyes of considerate intelligence; the generous, easy lopsided smile below the sculpted, aristocratic Russian nose.  All framed delicately by extremely high cheekbones and tanned skin.  Lines, but very few wrinkles, even with his percentage of worries.  Yet, no wasted breath of self pity.  Each new day was an opportunity to overcome difficulty--he battled against warnings of any potential for trouble.  
He noticed little about himself, to any degree that could impede his ability to find the objective enjoyment of being alive.

I felt so lucky to have an uncle like Uncle Haskell.  He was full of energy, always game for trying something new, and full of warmth.  With a sparkle in his eye or a lilt in his voice, he made me feel like I was exactly the person he wanted to see or talk to at that very moment. 
     Whenever Haskell and Mollie came to Los Angeles for a visit, Hask would regale us with his stories. One of my favorites was “Eddy the Boot.” According to Uncle Haskell, one day an armed Chicago gangster chased some unfortunate fellow into Grandma Sadie’s deli. Grandma Sadie, who knew Eddy from playing poker with him (another story!), told Eddy to back off, saying “Not in my store, Eddy!”  To which Eddy replied, “Ok, I’ll let him go, but just for you, Sadie!”
     It was just last year that Uncle Haskell told me stories from his time in the army.  He had me in suspense when he recounted his arriving at the army camp and being called in by some higher level soldiers with tough reputations who were possibly antisemitic. Uncle Haskell said he entered their tent with trepidation as one of the toughs shouted: “Are you Haskell Schiff?”  Trembling, he said yes, he was. Hask said he feared the worst but the next question he heard was: “Do you play pinochle?” Apparently these tough soldiers needed a fourth for their pinochle game and Uncle Haskell was just the guy for them!
     I will miss Uncle Haskell enormously but cherish the time I spent with him and his stories will continue to make me smile.

Dear Rae and Family,

What a legacy Mr. Schiff left behind!  My heart goes out to you because I know that you will miss him dearly.  Many blessings to each one of you.

Warm regards,


Gail Garza

G   O   O   D—A Word That’s
Been Very Misconstrued.
It’s Not A Bunch Of Nice
Actions.  Or Engaging In
Appropriate Behavior.   Or
A List Of Virtues To Be
RattledOff Like Badges Of Honor.   Or Something That
Tastes O K.   It’s A PRESENCE.
That Only Knows How To Do
The   RIGHT THING.

That PRESENCE Is Within
Y o u    Haskell     And I Only
Have These Few  W o r d s
With My Signature Definitions
To Pay You Proper Tribute.

For Rae, Lesley, and Brad, Your Dad was such a great guy. He was very loving and I have many wonderful memories as a child and later in life. He exhibited the meaning  of family. He will always be remembered and missed.
Sending love to all of you. 
Rachel Schiff

Dear Leslie, Brad and Rae,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss of an incredible man.  What a gift you were given to have had Haskell as your dad! Having spent much time in your home while growing up, I was fortunate enough to experience his huge heart.  I loved watching him enjoy the large picnics and barbecues he hosted.  Everyone was welcome and he made sure they knew it.  My favorite memory of your dad is how every Friday night he brought Molly, the love of his life, a bouquet of flowers and a self written poem.  That is a memory I still share, to this day. I hope your happy and fun memories of Haskell will help assuage the pain of losing him.  
Love, Cassandra aka Cassie

Dear Rae,  my deepest condolences. I wish you peace and love during this difficult times.

I'd like to send my condolences to Haskell's Family and Friends. I was sad to hear of his passing.
I first met Haskell when I was 10 or 11 when he use to come in and visit with my Dad. After my Dad passed away in 2008, I had the privilege  of seeing him more one on one. He always seem to care not just about business, but how I was doing personally.
He will  be missed by all of us here at Cross Container.
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to his Family and Friends.

I So Loved Haskell. He was such a Fluid Spirit.( my boss for some years). Loving Family Man.

Haskell Schiff was a glorious  man. I'm so lucky to have known him. My condolences to his family Lesley',Brad and Rae. Haskell showed me how to share happiness. He was 
the best example of what a man should be. 
His passing leaves a big empty space in the hearts of all who shared time with him and loved him.
Sheri

My sincere condolences,Lesley.  Well said.  What a wonderful creative spirit he was. ❤️

Trying Chicken spaghetti and loved every bite 😘kiss the chef

Haskell and Molly moved in to our neighborhood over Twenty years ago. They had a new granddaughter and although their home was in Chicago they were determined to see Very often and so we got the privilege of knowing this very special couple.  After Molly was gone Haskell continued his visits to Mesa and we were so glad he did.  I so enjoyed just sitting and chatting with him about his life, his wife, whom he adored, his business and his travels. I’m sure he and Molly out traveled the majority of people. He was always so happy to have me visit and spend some time with him. Haskell was interested in everything.  It didn’t matter what subject I brought up, he was all ears.  Thank you Haskell for blessing me.  You are mightily missed.
Marsha

OBITUARY

Haskell Schiff

June 29, 1926 – September 16, 2025

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

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