Harold M. Greenberg

October 22, 1926 - July 31, 2020

On Friday, July 31 ^st , 2020, Harold, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 93.  He lived a rich, full life, and his passing has created a void in our hearts and lives that can now only be filled with loving memories.  The cornerstone of our extended family, he was always there when needed with a ready smile and a helping hand.

Hal was a New Englander at heart.  Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut to Rachel and Adolph, and the youngest of five siblings, his early years in the late 1920s and 1930s were during the heart of the great depression.  Thankfully, his parents kept food on the table and a roof over their heads, and Hal worked an assortment of odd jobs around school hours to help the family.  Upon graduation from Weaver High School in Hartford in 1944, he served in Japan in the army of occupation.  Like so many WWII vets, he took pride in his military service, culminating in an "honor flight" from Florida to Washington in 2015.

Upon his return from Japan in 1946, he continued his high school romance with Evelyn Dontzig, and they were eventually married in March of 1948.  Three children followed, Steven, Debra, and Wendy.  With five mouths to feed, Hal worked for the Prudential Insurance Company, and in 1957 the family moved from the Hartford area to Danbury, Connecticut, where they remained for 11 years.

In 1968, Hal was offered a manager position with Monarch Life Insurance Company that moved the family to Brighton, NY, a suburb of Rochester.  Evelyn passed away in 1983.  Ten years later, he found Madeline, and they were united in marriage in 1998, happily together until his recent passing.  In 2000, Hal and Madeline moved to Florida where he remained for the past 20 years.

Hal and Madeline could tear up the dance floor.  They loved to go to social events at the various communities around Boynton Beach, laughing and dancing with good friends.  An avid bowler, Hal was in many bowling leagues over the years with averages in the 160s and 170s, and when he reached 90 years of age and was still bowling, he was proud to be the oldest bowler in the league.  Most of all, he bowled because he enjoyed the camaraderie that bowling brought him, making many special friends and acquaintances over the years.  In his last two years, he took up a hobby from his youth, building balsa wood airplanes.  The family room at his house is so filled with his models that it looks like an airplane hangar at LaGuardia.

Grandpa Jellybean, as he was known to the great-grandchildren for his always-filled jellybean dispenser, was the sort of guy who was always there for you.  The car needed fixing, call Hal…. need a ride, call Hal…  want to talk to a friend, call Hal.  His embracing, easygoing personality was beloved by all his family members and friends; his kindness and generosity left its mark on countless people.  Amongst his many volunteer activities, Hal regularly donated blood and was active in the Mended Hearts organization, a group that supports heart patients in the hospital.  He had a way of lighting up a room, making people laugh, and connecting with others.  His strong sense of humor and genuine interest in people not only made him a great salesman, but also made people want to be in his presence.

His beloved wife Madeline, his two surviving children Steven (Susanne) and Wendy (James), surviving sister Edythe, son-in-law Rich (Debbie passed in 2013), four grandchildren, Sarah (Dave), Daniel, Elana, and Laura, and three great-children, Eli, Wesley, and Dayna, will all dearly miss Grandpa Jellybean.

To all his family, including his dearly loved nieces and nephews, and his many friends, thank you for bringing such joy to his life.  We are unbelievably grateful for the way he enriched our lives, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, February 11.

Please enjoy this video, a slideshow to celebrate his life and share fond memories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufOzKl_vApY

With our love,

Madeline, Steve, Wendy, and families