Irvin Schlansky's Obituary
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Irvin Schlansky, passed away on July 22, 2023. Irvin was born in 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to Sarah Ostroff, a seamstress, and Samuel Schlansky, an accountant who also wrote for The Jewish Daily Forward. They instilled in him a love for learning and a passion for life from an early age. Alongside his sister, Gloria Baron, Irvin's formative years were spent in the heart of Brooklyn, where he graduated from James Madison High School in 1943.
After graduating, Irvin courageously enlisted in the Air Force embarking on a two-year journey as a pilot navigator stationed in Biloxi, MS, and Smyrna, GA. His service to his country concluded in 1945 as the war came to an end and the training was terminated.
In New York, Irvin pursued higher education at Columbia University before joining his aunt Dora at Thomas Paulson & Sons, Inc., a brass casting foundry on Union St. in Brooklyn. He met the love of his life in Brooklyn when his cousin Barbara informed him that he must meet the woman visiting from Mexico that was staying downstairs. Destiny would bring him to Mexico where he married Eva Cecilia Kolozs, his wife of 66 years. They raised their cherished children Susan, David, and Amy in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and regularly visited Mexico to spend time with family. Back in Brooklyn, Irvin’s business would span 40 years.
In his younger years, Irvin was an excellent athlete playing baseball throughout Brooklyn. As a sports enthusiast, he cheered on the NY Giants and NY Yankees, epitomizing true fanhood. His thirst for knowledge knew no bounds, as he devoured numerous books each week. In the early 2000’s Irvin and Eva retired to Florida enjoying their sun-filled days exploring Florida and creating lasting memories with their extended family.
Irvin leaves behind a profound legacy, survived by his loving wife, Eva, and devoted daughters, Susan Ledbetter and Amy Schlansky. He was preceded in death by his son David Schlansky. His granddaughters, Samantha Ledbetter and Carly Pyles, were a source of immense pride and joy for him. In addition to his immediate family, Irvin is fondly remembered by dozens of nieces and nephews whose lives he touched with his intelligence, humor and appreciation for family.
As we bid farewell to Irvin Schlansky, we celebrate a life well-lived, brimming with passion, love, and unwavering dedication to his family. His memory will forever shine bright in our hearts. He will be dearly missed.
Donations may be made to the following organizations or any organization of your choice.
American Heart Association
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
Service and burial is Wednesday July 26, 11AM at Beth David Cemetary
300 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY
Following the burial we will be sitting shiva from 12:30-5pm at the home of:
Sandee and Rod Leonhard
68 Raymond Place
Hewlitt, NY
On Thursday we will be sitting shiva from 11am-2pm at Amy’s home:
61 Oliver Street Apt 6V
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Many thanks for all,
Amy
What’s your fondest memory of Irvin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Irvin?
Share a story where Irvin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Irvin you’ll never forget.
How did Irvin make you smile?
