1934 – 2013

BEVERLY, Mass. — Joseph “Hartzy” Stanley Schovitz, 79 — saxophonist, shoemaker, and trout fisherman extraordinaire — passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

A Maine resident since 1991, he resided with his wife at Edgewood Condominiums, Auburn.

Born in Old Forge, Pa., on Aug. 29, 1934, to John and Stephanie (Mozden) Schovitz, Joe liked reminiscing with family and friends about his wonderful childhood growing up in the section of town known as “Sibley.”

A 1952 graduate of Old Forge High School, he loved playing saxophone in the school band, as well as performing with his musical group “The Lamplighters.” When not on-stage, Joe was also known to be quite the pool shark.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957 and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash. where he excelled in sharpshooting and vehicle mechanics.

On Feb. 8, 1958, Joe married Lorraine Duchak at Saint John the Baptist Church in Taylor, Pa. The newlyweds lived in Tacoma before returning to their home state in 1959. They both felt very blessed to have been married for 55 years.

He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Sacred Heart Church, and the Knights of Columbus 8742, both of Auburn.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Joe always brought a smile to the faces of those around him. He spent his entire career in the shoe-manufacturing industry, creating many innovative ways to repair and finish shoes. An avid trout-fisherman, his other hobbies included: gardening, cooking, and numerous home improvement projects, including designing and finishing the interior of the couple’s newly-built Pennsylvania home.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine, his devoted caregiver throughout the last four years. Known as “the miracle man” by hospital doctors and staff, he successfully fought many serious challenges with her always by his side. His “will to live” remained an inspiration to the end.

In addition, he is survived by his son, Joseph Schovitz, his wife, Mary Anne, and their two children, Michael and Matthew, of Marlborough, Mass. His son Joe considered his Dad to be his best friend and even asked him to serve as his best man at his wedding, a testament to the kind of father — and man — he was.

He is also survived by two sisters, Eleanor Damiani of Olyphant, Pa., Dorothy Tota and her husband, Ralph, of Sayre, Pa.; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Joe was predeceased by his father and mother; brother, John Schovitz; and sister, Marie Pepsin, all of whom he said he would be “so happy and excited to see again” in the afterlife.

“Hartzy” will be deeply missed and will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

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