Jack Jacob Fox passed away Tuesday (May 9, 2006) in his home in West Hartford. He would have been 86 next month. He was born to Baris and Gussie Fox on June 21, 1920 in New York City, NY. He lost his father at age two, and joined his brothers Irving and Morris at the Hebrew National Orphan Home. He lived in the orphanage until he moved out at age 15 to live with his mother and brothers in Coney Island. He found work in the Catskill Mountains at the Nevele Country Club and was drafted into service in World War II serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in British Guyana. He returned from service and went back to get his successful career in motion. He attended Michigan State University where he achieved his Masters Degree in Communication. He came to Hartford in 1952 to join WKNB-TV which became what is currently WVIT Channel 30. His career began as Film Director and he finished as General Sales Manager, a total of 38 years of service, during which he became known as the “Silver Fox.” He was known for his trademark pens, of which he handed out thousands over the past 20 years, and for his sense of humor and constant smile. His motto was “keep up your positive mental attitude.” He also loved to sing. He spent a good deal of his time volunteering and serving community organizations including the Hartford Ad Club, Knights of The Grip, Bnai Brith, The Anti-Defamation League, The Jewish Federation, The Hebrew Home and Beth David Synagogue along with many others. He was a husband to the late Judith Ackerman Fox and leaves loving children, a son, Bruce Fox and daughter-in-law, Tracy Fox, of Colchester, Dana Fox of Minneapolis, MN, and Shana Fox of Flagstaff, AZ. He was proud of his grandchildren, Sarah, Rebecca, and David Fox; Lou Fox; and Kirill and Alyona Fox. In addition, he leaves nieces, Jane Fox, Carol Pillsbury, and sister-in-law, Gloria Fox of Fort Myers, FL, and nephew Barney Fox. He also leaves a close friend, Josephine P. Scott. He was predeceased by his brothers, Irving and Morris Fox. He never stopped caring about the world and people and his message to all is “Do The Right Thing.” Funeral services will be held TODAY at 12 noon at the Weinstein Mortuary, at 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Burial will follow at the Beth David Cemetery. Calling hours for Shivah will be held at 62 Linnard Road, West Hartford, Thursday evening, 5-8 p.m., Friday, 12 Noon – 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 Noon – 5 p.m. Additional calling hours will be held at his son Bruce’s house Monday at 48 Harvest Lane, Colchester, from 6 – 8 p.m . Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, 1952 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, 06517.
