M. Fred Jacobs, 91, of West Hartford. After having saved many lives at the risk of his own during the Holocaust, and surviving the Nazi death camps, Fred Jacobs emigrated to the United States with his bride, Regina. He settled in Hartford, and studied English, obtained a GED, and worked three jobs to support his young family. He obtained an insurance sales license, and worked selling insurance as well. As time went on, he saved enough money to purchase Budget Cleaners and DanDee Cleaners, which he operated with his wife until retiring at the age of 78. Aside from being a perfectionist in his business, Fred also found the time to be extremely charitable, and did fundraising for many causes. He was the impetus behind the Holocaust sculpture that stands in front of the Jewish Community Center in West Hartford, raising the money and contributing to the design. In addition, Fred spoke about the Holocaust, and his experiences, all across Connecticut at middle schools, high schools, parochial and public, as well as at various colleges, and teacher education forums. His message always was, and continued to be a message of kindness and tolerance. His tremendous inner strength was recognized by all who knew him. His passing is a great loss to our community. He leaves Regina, his wife of 66 years, his son, Henry Jacobs, his daughter, Adele Jacobs, son-in-law, Michael Liebowitz, daughter in law, Sheila, five grandsons, David, Daniel, Jonathan, Jacob and Stephen, and four great-grandchildren, and a brother, Julius and wife Roseanne, and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral to be held at Agudas Achim Synagogue, 1244 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT, at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 with internment at Beth David Cemetery in Wethersfield. Shiva to be observed at the family home in West Hartford. Donations may be made to BBYO March of the Living, c/o Sherrie Stalarow, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230, in his memory.
