Obituary of Max Gersten

MAX GERSTEN MONTICELLO, NY Max Gersten, a long-time resident of Monticello, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on January 09, 2008 at the age of 101. Born on August 8, 1906, in New York City, he was the son of the late David and Sarah Rosenkrantz Gersten. For more than 50 years, he worked with his brother at the Joseph H. Gersten Insurance Agency (now Gersten- Hillman Agency). He also, for many years, ran the complaint window at Monticello Raceway. He worked full-time until his eyesight began to fail him at the age of 89. He was a Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific in World War II. He was also President of the Monticello chapter of Rotary Club. Max's many hobbies included an abiding passion for competitive bridge, in which he achieved the rank of "grandmaster" and played in tournaments throughout the country. He was also an avid stamp collector and loved to solve crossword puzzles. He and his wife were well-known in Monticello for taking daily long walks together. He continued to play bridge,do crossword puzzles and take long walks even after he eventually lost his eyesight. He loved people and had a brilliant mind. In August 2006, Max was honored by the Monticello Senior Citizens Group for reaching the age of 100. More than 130 people attended the celebration of his long and fruitful life. Max received a congratulatory note from the President for his accomplishments. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dorothy at home in Monticello, sons: Jeffrey Gersten and his wife Patricia of Monticello, Ronald Gersten and his wife Joey of San Francisco, William Gersten and his longtime companion Lucia of Buffalo and Bruce Gersten and his wife Lucy of San Francisco and his grandson, Daniel. He was predeceased by a sister, Bertie and brothers; Joseph and Nathan. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 12pm in the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. 388 Broadway Monticello, NY. Rabbi Ben Zion Chanowitz will officiate. Burial will be in the Landfield Ave Cemetery Thompson Rd. Monticello, NY. Donations in memory of Max may be made to a charity of ones choice. Funeral arrangements by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Monticello. For directions or to send the family a condolence note visit our website at wwww.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.