J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Garfinkel, Seymour

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Seymour Garfinkel, 89, of Hopewell died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at his residence surrounded by family. He was the son of the late Harry and Rose Garfinkel. Seymour was the co-owner of Garfinkel’s Ladies Apparel for over 35 years. He was a former President of the Retail Merchants Association Chamber of Commerce, a member and two term Chairman of the Hopewell Hospital Authority for 25 years. Seymour was a Board member and Vice-President of Temple Brith Achim as well as a member and former Chairman of Tri-City Jewish Appeal. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech, Class of 42’ and a member of the Old Guard. Seymour was a loving husband, fantastic father, a great Poppy and was know by everyone for his kindness and beautiful smile. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Frances Sarfan Garfinkel and his brother Joel Garfinkel. He is survived by his children, Harry Garfinkel and wife Barbara, Susan Schneider and husband Dr. Ken Schneider and Ray Garfinkel; two grandchildren, Lindsey Scott and Zachary Michael Garfinkel; two sisters Frances Binder and Natalie Cohn; sister-in-law Edythe Lichtenstein; a brother-in-law Mayor Sarfan and wife Dorene. A Graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at Brith Achim Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA, 23058, or Hospice of Virginia 7231 Forest Ave., Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23226. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service where condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Dear Susan, Harry & Ray,
It seems like yesterday when I was a 14 year old HHS student and somehow managed to get up the nerve to walk into Garfinkel's downtown and ask for a job...And your wonderful father hired me. I worked for him all through high school and college and felt almost like I was part of the family. Then, of course, I had the privilege of teaching Susan. It was such a joy to see her at a class reunion not too many years ago.Though I didn't have a lot of interaction with Harry and Ray, I do remember all the times they came into the store.

I shall forever remember, with a smile, the time I spent with your Dad. He is the person who taught me about retail and about getting along in the business world. Since I have been co-owner of Riverview Art Gallery in Portsmouth, VA for 11 years, all that infomation must have helped me! He was truly a smart, kind, honest, true "southern gentleman" and the world was a far better place with him in it!

With loving thoughts,
Earlene

Posted by: Earlene Kramer Lampman at March 21, 2009 12:22 PM

Dear Harry, Susan, Ray & Families,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We know your Mom and Dad are reunited now, as we always remember them, smiling and happy together. Dennis's mom, Mary, always spoke of how, many times, she couldn't have provided for her girls' special occasions without your Mom and Dad and being able to pay "a little at a time" and they did the same for me when we got married almost 26 years ago. God bless you all...you are in our prayers.
Dennis & Carmen Martin

Posted by: Dennis & Carmen Martin at March 5, 2009 05:02 PM

Harry, Susan and Ray
I remember your dad from going to Cavalier Square back when your parents had Lady L years and years ago. Your parents were always such kind and sweet people and I was so sorry to read of your dads passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Posted by: DuRee Eubank Stewart at March 4, 2009 07:08 PM

Dear Harry,Susan and Ray,
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of your father, Seymour Garfinkel. He was a delightful man who always had a smile on his face and was quick with a kind word. Our condolences go out to the family.
Rest in peace Seymour and Frances. You are now joined together again and are greatly missed.

Debby Thompson and Kevin Futch

Posted by: Kevin Futch at March 2, 2009 05:46 PM

Harry, Susan, (Ray) and families,

You know how fond we were of your Dad. He was such a warm man with a bright smile. We know he will be missed by you and many others. We pray you will find comfort in knowing that he is now at rest.

You and your family are in our prayers. Rick and Marilynn

Posted by: Rick and Marilynn Davis at March 2, 2009 12:06 AM

Harry,Susan,Ray,

I have great memories of your dad and mom and how good they were to everyone. I spent alot of time
at their business.

They were good people and will be surly missed.
Please know we have you in our prayers.

Posted by: Duck Cleveland at March 1, 2009 12:10 PM

Harry,
I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing. May God be with you and your family during this sad time. God bless and keep you all.
Peggy Pintavalle Cooke

Posted by: Peggy Pintavalle Cooke at March 1, 2009 08:18 AM

Dear Harry, Ray, Susan and family,

I am sorry to hear about your father's passing.

Having been born and raised in Hopewell, I have many fond memories of Garfinkel's. Not only did I shop there, I worked there too. Garfinkel's was my first job, so I will never forget it. I was 17 years old and the year was 1986. I worked for Harry at the Cavalier Square store. Although Seymour had retired by then, he frequently visited the store. I will always remember his kind smile and caring demeanor.

Please know that my thoughts are with all of you during this sad and difficult time.

Donna Rosenbloom (formerly Donna Topian)

Posted by: Donna Rosenbloom at February 28, 2009 05:01 PM

Harry, Susan and Ray,
Sad to hear about your dad's passing. He was a wonderful man but I know his health has not been good the past few years years and I know he is in a better place. It is really hard watching our love ones who have lived such a lively life suffer during their last days. Garfinkel's was a household name when we were coming up. Seymour and Frances were known and loved by many and were both wonderful people. They were always happy and anxious to help you and such a joy to be around. I know your pain and it will never go away but will get better with time and with the help of your friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Melody Clary Bennett

Posted by: Melody Clary Bennett at February 28, 2009 09:34 AM

Harry, Susan, Ray and families,
I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing! I have many wonderful memories from my high school days of visiting the store in downtown and in Cavalier Square. Your folks were the best and cared so much about the customers...they were more than customers to them and it showed! God wrap his arms around you during this time of sadness and loss.

Betty Dean Blodgett

Posted by: Betty Dean Blodgett at February 27, 2009 08:50 PM

I knew Mr. Garfinkel as a child as my family shopped at his store. He was always so kind to me. In his role as Chairman of the Hospital Authority, he was kind enough to be a reference for me for a job. I worked at the hospital, obtained my masters degree in Healthcare Administration and have been in hospital administration ever since. I have so much respect and admiration for him. He was a kind, competent and compassionate man to all who knew him. I know that he had a rich and full life and used his gifts to bless many others. My sincere gratitude for having known him.

Posted by: Terrie Langley Edwards at February 27, 2009 08:36 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Seymour's passing.
I have happy memories of celebrating many events with your entire family and I send my love and {{hugs}} to you during this difficult time.
Love,
Jean Ann

Posted by: Jean Ann (Mirmelstein) Wensell at February 27, 2009 12:43 PM

Harry, Susan, Ray, I can remember back in my High School days walking by your Dads business in downtown Hopewell.Seymour would be outside with that BIG SMILE on his face asking me if I was Girl watching or on my way to work at the A&P. He along with your mother is what made Downtown Hopewell special.Sissy and I will remember your family in our prayers. Your Friend, Johnnie Smith

Posted by: Johnnie Smith at February 27, 2009 12:40 PM

Harry, Susan and Ray,
I have such fond memories of your dad. He was a very special kind man. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sheree Godsey Shaw

Posted by: Sheree Godsey Shaw at February 27, 2009 06:46 AM