Joseph David Pear, age 95, of Moodus, CT died Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Avon Health Center. Born in Middletown, CT on June 27, 1920 he was the youngest of five sons of the late Morris and Sarah (Polstein) Pear. Joe worked with his brother Sam in Pear’s General Merchandise before and after graduating from Nathan Hale High School in Moodus in 1939. He served with the Service Company, 772 Tank Battalion during World War II and upon his return became the second Commander of the Baron Smith Golec Post 156 American Legion. He was also a Past President of the East Haddam Lion’s Club. After marrying Leah Katz of Passaic, NJ on November 7, 1948, they both became very active in Rodfe Zedek Synagogue in Moodus. Along with many others they were instrumental in the merging of Beth Shalom and Rodfe Zedek Synagogues. When Moodus Center was redeveloped, Joe and Leah purchased and operated New England Shade & Blind of Durham and then Middletown until retirement when they spent many winters in Delray Beach, FL. Joe leaves his children Adrienne (Pear) Hopfer (Sidney), and son Steven Pear (Karen), along with grandchildren Jamie (Hopfer) Scarpati (Paul), Jeremy Hopfer (fiancé Katherine Matz), Jennifer Pear, Michael Pear, and great-grandchildren Samuel and Anna Scarpati. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews. His beloved wife Leah predeceased Joe along with brothers Jack, Sam, Mike and Albert. The family would like to thank Donna Thody for her devoted care of Joe.
Funeral services will be held TODAY, Monday January 4, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ), 55 East Kings Highway, Chester, CT with Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg officiating. Interment will follow at Rodfe Zedek Cemetery, Route 151, Moodus-Leesville Road, Moodus. Shiva will be at 5:30 Monday and Tuesday. For Shiva details contact CBSRZ or Weinstein Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to CBSRZ or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Joe, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.
