Dear family and friends,
As most of you are aware, my father Stanley Greif, A”H, passed away on Shabbat. It is often said that a Jewish person who dies on Shabbat (Sabbath) is a tzadik (a righteous person). I think everyone who knew my father thought of him as a righteous man. The fact that he passed away on Shabbat only confirmed what we knew to be true.
My father, may he rest in peace, was an extraordinary man with an even more extraordinary IQ. I had the opportunity to view his high school yearbook. It said that “even the waves in his hair are arranged mathematically.” His classmates called him “Mr. Einstein.” He graduated college by the time he was 18 and received a degree in mathematics.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and then received a Congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis where he received another degree in engineering. After serving his nation, he went on to earn graduate degrees at USC. As a naval officer, my father had command of ships. He met many dignitaries and had the pleasure of hosting Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, of Great Britain on his ship.He served with honor and distinction during the Korean War, receiving many medals and ribbons.
My father worked in the aerospace industry and was responsible for designing guidance systems for missiles. His love of his country and the defense of his nation was of utmost importance to him. But besides his educational achievements, military and civilian service to America, my father served his fellow man.
My father, although not religious, was a proud Jew and Zionist. He contributed to many Jewish and Israeli organizations and charities. He also contributed to secular philanthropies and causes. He was a giving man, not only from his pocket, but from his heart.
My father had a close relationship with his sister and three brothers. Furthermore, he was always there for his three children, five grandchildren and great-granddaughter, his wife of thirty-plus years, his step-children and their children. Whether it was to fly out on a moment's notice or provide support, physically, emotionally or financially, whatever the situation may be, my father was around to help when needed or asked. He often volunteered without being requested to do so.
My father had a great sense of humor and considered himself a “survivor” because he had suffered from medical problems since he was a young man. No matter what pain, discomfort or problems he had, he faced them with strength and dignity. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, honorable, honest, upright, moral, and a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was known as everyone's “favorite.”
We are consoled in the fact that my father fulfilled his purpose in life, whatever that may have been, only Hashem (G-d) knows. My father was a righteous individual, a real mensch.
For those who may want to contribute in honor of my father, Stanley J. Greif, please do so by donating in his name to “Friends of the Jewish Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy,” 326 First St., Suite 22, Annapolis, Md. 21403.
Thank you.
L'hitraot. Dawn (Shachar) Greif Reichman and the Greif family
Shachar’s essay, “Our Eyes in Israel,” appears on Fridays in the newspaper.
