Melvin Fechter Obituary

Here is the other photo: A beautiful memory of you and our dear Mom on your 64th wedding anniversary, March 16, 2016.

My Dearest Dad,
Not a day goes by without thinking of you, deeply missing you and sending my love to you. I feel you are aware from your Heavenly Spirit World of my immense love for you and my gratitude for God´s gift of your long, good life with Mom, and with your four children. We promised you that we would take good care of Mom, and each of us is doing exactly that in our own ways. I hope you are proud of how we somehow managed to carry on with our lives, even though for a time, we were like iron filings aimlessly going through the motions of life when our magnet was no longer physically here with us. These two photos are among my favorites: You and I together Thanksgiving 2014; the other photo taken on March 16, 2016 celebrating yours and Mom´s 64th wedding anniversary. I love you, my precious Dad, and I will always be your devoted, adoring daughter.
I love you more today, less than tomorrow....
Love,
Ann, your #1 (first-born)

I still have dreams every week or so about my dad. I dreamt about him last night. In my recurring dream Dad is able to come back from Heaven and visit with us for a short time. I miss him so badly. I cherish those few seconds he visits me in my dreams.

FIVE years have passed since we had to say our Earthly goodbyes. We had a lovely dinner in your memory. Tablecloth, nice dishes and the whole works. Ann fixed it and really created a lovely time. She cooked Mahi mahi, baked beans, broccoli and cauliflower, and fresh buttered bread. And for dessert? Black cherry ice cream, of course!

It doesn't seem like 5 years have passed... Probably because you have been with us all this time and we know it. That first year was so slow. But then once you let us know you were right here... everything changed. Pain eased and time became less burdened. I know that wasn't easy for you to make your presence known - I can't even imagine what it took to come from another dimension. I know it was hard - or you would be displaying your presence every day. It helped me understand and appreciate supernatural experiences and to be confident that you're right here with us... and we will all be together once again. I long for another sign often. But I never expect it. I treasure the one you gave me. And I feel honored you chose that moment in time. You knew mom would believe me. You knew it would be the very proof that would give mom freedom. Thank you. It changed my life for certain.

If there was even one inkling of a thought that not letting you go would effect YOUR freedom - we would "let you go" in a flash. Yes, you can be proud that we are doing well without forgetting you for one second... but I don't think we'll ever truly "let you go". We know you're talking to Einstein and Hawking. But I sometimes wonder who else have you carried on brilliant conversations with? Newton? da Vinci? I'd sure love to just watch you "boys" ponder. What could you possibly think about when you are all knowing?

This past year brought about a lot of changes. It's hard to believe your youngest is getting Medicare this year. Aaron bought a house right down the street from mom and has been spending a lot of time with her. And of course, Ann and I are enjoying her precious personality too - you know we'll always be here for her until she's in your arms again. She so misses your kisses. You were always so loving to her... and all of us.

I still picture you sitting on the swing and sleeping on the chaise lounge. The last couple of years you were with us, I would see you sleeping as I walked up to the house -and I'd always look closely to make sure you were still breathing! ha ha. I never took a single day for granted. You surely outlived your expectations! David and I still joke about how you had a "fatherly talk" with him when we got married and told him you weren't going to be around much longer and you expected him to take care of me. That was 1982! Well... as you know, he does a good job at that. I believe I married a man just like my papa. Strong, wise, brilliant and loving.

I'll be looking for you this year at the twins B'nai mitzvah! I know you'll be there, proud. You gave us a lot to be proud of. And we will forever make you proud of us.

Love, Your Pipsqueek, #4

In loving memory of my father, Melvin Fechter, who was not only my parent but also my closest friend throughout my entire life.

As a young boy, my parents gifted me a crystal radio, sparking hours of shared exploration with my father as we navigated the complexities of putting it together, our mutual cluelessness turning into cherished memories.

Growing up, my father continued to nurture my passion for experimentation, providing the tools and encouragement I needed to pursue my interests in electronics and music. More than anything, he stood by me as my greatest supporter, celebrating my triumphs and guiding me through setbacks with unwavering belief in my abilities.

In a remarkable twist of fate, we embarked on the journey of law school together in the 1970s. While my application was not successful, my father was accepted, demonstrating his unyielding determination to pursue new challenges, even at the age of 55. As he pursued his legal education, I poured my energy into building a company based on our shared passions, music, and electronics-endeavors that my parents had always encouraged.

Upon graduating from law school at the age of 59, my father seamlessly transitioned into the role of our company's in-house attorney. Together, as best friends and business partners, we complemented each other's strengths-I focused on creativity while Dad adeptly managed the business side, safeguarding our interests and navigating complex negotiations with skill and wisdom. Under his guidance, our company flourished, bringing joy to millions and leaving a lasting impact on the world.

I owe everything to my father. His unwavering support and guidance were the foundation upon which I built my dreams. Without him, I would have been lost. His passing at the age of 98 left a void in our lives, and we continue to grapple with his absence. He was not only a remarkable father to me but also a cherished husband to my mother, providing steadfast love and support to our entire family.

In his memory, we carry forward his legacy of resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Farewell, Dad-your memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort.

My dad is with me constantly. Sometimes, I even feel like I am he for a few moments. When I am shuffling through the fridge looking for leftovers, when I turn on a light in a room the way he used to when I was working in the dark, when I read a contract, get half way through it, and throw it back in the face of the salesman that wrote it, and when I think logically about something rather than emotionally. These and many more times throughout every day, I feel my dad guiding me and reassuring me that we'll make it work somehow.

Dad,

As you are well aware... you're ALWAYS on my mind. You're ALWAYS with me. I hear you giving me advice. And I listen. But I still really miss your presence.

Your brother died yesterday. But I guess you know that too.

It's been four years - it doesn't seem possible. I thought you would live forever. And I knew that was silly. But... you are alive forever in my heart, until the day my heart stops beating. Then we will be together again. I love you.

love, karen
(your pip-squeak #4)

It's been two years since we've seen your loving face, held your warm hand, and giggled at your ridiculously silly sense of humor. And we miss you and everything about you - terribly. But once again... I say it as I feel it... you are right here with me. Last week, I visited myself standing next to you as you lay on the living room couch at 2025 Stryker... maybe I was 6 or 7 or maybe 8. You were looking up at the ceiling and looked worried. I asked you, "a penny for your thoughts, dad." And you said as you giggled just a little, "well kiddo, they can't get blood out of a stone." And I said, "what do you mean?" And you said, "well kiddo, I'm figuring out how to pay the bills."

I hugged myself in my vision - as I saw myself looking at you with concern about what you were really feeling inside. I saw my daddy wondering how he was going to pay the bills. And I worried about you as you worried about us, your family.

And then suddenly, this huge smile came over me and tears started rolling down my face as my meditation continued. I felt immense gratitude for you. For the lessons you have taught me, for the love you always gave me, for the ongoing strength and support I always feel when I think of you.

I adore you. I love you. I miss you. And by the way. You married a pretty amazing woman. You were lucky to have her. And you knew it. And that made you even more special.

XXOO. Your #4

I love looking at your picture dad... and giving you a little good night kiss every night. It makes me smile and feel complete. I miss you. But I know you are here with me, and all of us, and making known to us that you are here. You are and will always remain an amazing dad. I love how you adored mom. You played the biggest role in my ability to choose a life partner. I want to say Thank You - for being a happy man... and being a grateful man... and being a loyal man. You taught me the most important lessons a child could ever need. I am pretty lucky you are my dad. I feel you here.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed already since Mel passed on to glory. I think of him often and the impression he made on everyone who knew him. And of how blessed I was to have him mentor me in becoming an advocate for Israel on the Politics of Israel board / and becoming a writer. I met Mel on POI over 20 years ago. His style of debate was brilliant, witty and educational. He turned being an advocate for Israel into an art form! I believe most everyone on the middle east boards wanted to be Mel Fechter, sound like Mel Fechter and write like Mel Fechter but there was only one Mel Fechter. People referred to Mel as a true Statesman on the board. I used to pray every year and ask G-d to add another year to Mel's life because I couldn't imagine the world without him. For many years I would ask the same thing and then one day I realized that no matter when he died it would still be too soon. I miss Mel. He was a very good friend. He adored his wife and his children. He was never a boastful person. I found out that years ago Benjamin Netanyahu had written him a letter! Essie found it tucked away in his desk! He never told anyone on POI about that! That was Mel. A very humble man and a loyal friend to the end. G-d bless him and his beautiful wife and children always. Karen Moldthan

I will always remember the love of my life.

What a pleasure and privilege to know Mel, a man of great intellect, wisdom and wit. Along with his intriguing, captivating life stories and observations, he always kept us laughing. We cherish the brunches with him and his "beautiful wife" Essie. An incredible man, Mel touched our lives and hearts. We will forever treasure his memory.

Mel was loving, funny, serious, kind, and giving. The devotion and love Mel shared with family, friends, and country were his greatest attributes.

He didn't have time to be idle. Mel kept up with world events, studying, reading, contributing to Israeli boards, and many other worthwhile events.

He enjoyed a daily walk and a cup of coffee at Einstein's every morning. Mel was often teased about this ritual.

I miss Mel's presence as a special brother-in-law, and he won't be forgotten. He was always thought of as a great man. Farewell, my friend!

My deepest sympathy to the family. I did not know him but his two brothers, Gerald and the late Hyman were my friends for so many years and I had the utmost respect for the whole family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Mel Fechter was the most magnificent person I've ever known. I named my prize bull after him (Melvin the Magnificent) because Mel had that rock solid strength and fearlessness about him that caused people to take notice and listen to his every word. He was a true statesman, unwavering in his loyalty to Israel and the most eloquent and under appreciated writer of his time. He was my mentor and he was the greatest of mentors but above all he was a devoted and loving husband to his bw (beautiful wife as he referred to his Essie) a loving father to his 4 children. and a great friend to those who had the good fortune to have known him. There are no words adequate to express my sympathy to his family and friends at this time. Heavens gain is our loss.
Sincerely, Karen Moldthan