FRUCHTMAN, IRVING
Born February 4, 1937
in Brooklyn, NY
Died September 8, 2024
in Cape May, NJ
Irv Fruchtman passed away September 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family in his house by the sea. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geraldine Enzor Fruchtman, his daughters: Gabrielle Larkin and husband Tom Larkin, Sharon Fruchtman, Jennifer Hunt and partner Jim Kontout, and Tamar Fruchtman and her husband Phu Hoang, eleven grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
From a young age, Irv was recognized for his extraordinary intelligence, speeding through high school and university to graduate with top marks at the age of 19. He worked as an engineer at Langley Research Center during NASA's early golden era, which included triumphs such as the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission in 1962 – the first manned US spaceflight. He carried his love for aviation throughout his life. He was a frequent visitor to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, and an active supporter of institutions dedicated to the history and science of flight.
He was a faithful member of the Jewish community, attending regular services at Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood, NJ for as long as his health would allow. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the Jewish values he held dear, including a passion for life-long learning and tikkun olam – working to improve the world. His family treasures their memories of Irv reciting kiddush on Friday nights, leading seders full of songs, helping with Hebrew school homework, and (sometimes) falling asleep during early-morning services.
Irv could find laughter in the darkest hours; he was always ready with a joke and a smile to lighten the mood. He loved music, from songs at synagogue to dance nights at Cape May convention hall with the Al Raymond band. Even in the last days of his life, he had a song on his lips and in his heart.
Our family is grateful for the loving care Irv received from his caregivers through his illness and at the end of his life.
His memory is a blessing to his family and those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum.
Services in the care of J.S. Goldstein Funeral Home & Monuments, Mays Landing. www.JSGFunerals.com
