Hyman Teitelbaum

Because Hyman's mother, rose, had 4 sons who died shortly after birth because she could not breast feed them adequately, she decided to send them, upon the advice of a rabbi, to the home of his grandfather, Moshe Yohna, to be nursed by another woman. He remained with his grandparents until the age of 6.

         Hyman then returned home to his parents - at which time he started his Hebrew education (which continued till age 16)  as well as Private School, where he progressed to the equivalent of a 2 year High School level.  Language spoken at home was Yiddish... Language used at the private school was Polish, but he was taught German & Ukranian as well.

     At age 17, Hyman was drafted for 2 years into the Austrian Army where he served as a telephone communications officer because of his fluent German speaking abilities.  Because he was to be drafted for an additional 2 years, he decided to flee to the USA - escaping first through Germany & then into Canada where he spent 2 months working as a waiter.  He was the smuggled into the US in 1920 & rejoined his parents, Joseph & Rose Teitelbaum, in NY City.

       While in N.Y., he attemtped to make a living at various odd jobs until he paid someone a fee of $100 to teach him the vocation of "Cutter of furs,"  & thereafter joined into partnership with George Blank, under the name "Teitelbaum & Blank, Furriers."

    Hyman also went to night school 4 days a week to learn English.  He also learned how to play the Mandolin - a talent which he subsequently passed on to his son Stanley.

    After many years of having known Helen Ohringer, who was the closest friend of his sister, Jean, he became aware of her charm & beauty when his friend asked him to arrange an introduction.  He swiftly presented her with a wristwatch 2 weeks later, making their engagement official, & married Helen 1 1/2 years later in May 28, 1929.

    Because of the Great Depression of Nov. 1929, & with many debtors having failed him,  Hyman left the fur business, trying his fortune as a grocer,etc., until he later reentered the fur manufacturing business, again with his partner, George Blank.

    On Nov. 1, 1935, Hyman & Helen Teitelbaum had their 1st & only child - Stanley Howard Teitelbaum, into whom they put all their energy & efforts,etc., and who subsequently became a physician.  

    Upon Hyman's demise on April 7, 1976 at the age of 77, he had been survived by his wife Helen, son Stanley, daughter-in-law Madelein,  3 grandchildren - Heidi 15, Stacy 10  & Craig 5.

    Hyman Teitelbaum was revered by his family & friends, & greatly respected for his broad knowledge, creative writing, sincerity, warmth & total honesty in dealings with all people.