Chester (Leon) Himelstein

Chester Leon Himelstein, of West Hartford, died peacefully in West Hartford at age 90, on May 31, 2006. He was born in Lebanon, CT on August 15, 1915 to Dorothy and Max Himelstein. He was the brother of Dr. Morgan Himelstein of Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Monroe Himelstein (deceased), and Ruth Schuyler (deceased). Chester was dear brother-in-law to Dr. Norman and Laeita Israelite, Faith Himelstein, the late Libby Himelstein, and the late Dr. Samuel Schuyler. Chester was a devoted father to Meryl (Himelstein) Rosenberg and Elliott Rosenberg of West Hartford and Ellen (Himelstein) Lissauer and Ivan Lissauer of Waterford. He was treasured “Pop-Pop” to Atty. Lee Rosenberg Rubin and Dr. Robert Rubin; Michael Rosenberg and Dana Gerson Rosenberg; Dr. Matthew Lissauer and Tracie Rosenkopf Lissauer; and Atty. Daniel Lissauer. He was a proud Great Grandfather to Lisbeth Grace Rubin, Jordyn Alexis and Alec Ethan Rosenberg, and Lindsey Jane Lissauer. Chester also leaves eight nieces and nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews, and loving cousins, Arline and Morgan Himmelstein. At age 11, Chester lost his father and found himself the head of a household, assisting three younger siblings and a mother with their dairy farm. The family eventually sold their farm and moved to Colchester. In 1935, the Himelstein family settled in Hartford. During the Depression years, Chester attended Northeastern University as an electrical engineering major, while working to assist his family. He had previously graduated with honors from Bacon Academy, Colchester. On May 7, 1939, he married Myrtle (Marty) Pollock of Norwich. After marriage, Chester moved to Norwich where he resided for 54 years. He entered the Pollock Family clothing business, known as “Pollock’s Men’s Clothing”, eventually adding a uniform business, servicing police, fire, and postal personnel throughout eastern Connecticut. In 1993, shortly after the death of his beloved Marty, he moved to West Hartford where he resided at 1 Chatfield Drive. Chester was actively involved in both the communities of Norwich and West Hartford. While in Norwich, he served as Director of Beth Jacob Synagogue and as their Financial Secretary. He also served as Treasurer of the Norwich United Jewish Appeal, and as President and Director of the Hebrew Benevolent Association for over 40 years. After his move to West Hartford, Chester became an active member of the Emanuel Synagogue Minyonaires where he was honored as their “Minyonaire of the Year.” He also assumed a leadership position in the West Hartford Regents, acting as their Awards and Program Chairperson. Our Dad not only did his best in life, but did what was required. His life was honorably and generously spent. He was a true gentle man and will remain a role model for all his loved ones. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi David J. Small and Cantor Sanford Cohn officiating. Interment will follow in the Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery, Preston at 3:00 PM. Following interment, family and friends are invited to the home of Ellen and Ivan Lissauer in Waterford. On Monday, June 5th, the family will meet friends in the Community Room, 60 Cassandra Blvd., West Hartford, from 2-5 PM. The family is deeply grateful for the many kindnesses shown to their father during his 13 years at 1 Chatfield Drive, and to Dr. Paul Dekker and the Emergency Room personnel at Hartford Hospital for their care and compassion over the last few years. Donations in Chester’s memory may be made to the Emanuel Synagogue Minyonaire Fund, 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford 06117, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Chester with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.