OUR COMMUNITY AND CEMETERY HEROES

We are proud to present a few heroes of our Jewish cemeteries and the Jewish communities they represent, so that we can honor and remember them. Although only one hero is currently listed below, we plan to add to this special list in the near future:

REMEMBERING SHEP SEWITCH (1921 - 2020)

Sidney (“Shep”) Sewitch was a star in the Perth Amboy Jewish Community, where he was popular, admired, respected, appreciated, talented, and humble. His efforts to preserve and improve our cemeteries also established him as a hero. As our organization’s first vice-president, Shep played a very important role in our organization from our inception in 2005 until his death this year. He was a life-long resident of Perth Amboy, where he earned and held the admiration and respect of the entire community. Considered by many to be one of the greatest athletes of the Perth Amboy Jewish Community, Shep excelled on the basketball teams of the Perth Amboy YMHA, Perth Amboy High School, and Rutgers University, where he served as captain of both the varsity basketball team and the varsity tennis team. He also played varsity football at Rutgers until he was sidelined by knee injuries. His outstanding athletic talent at Perth Amboy High School was especially impressive, since he was one of the youngest students in his class.

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Shep joined his brothers (Myron “Sonny” and William “Vevy”) in their father’s carpentry/construction business (Leon Sewitch & Sons), developing it into a thriving enterprise with many skilled and loyal employees. He was an active member of the Perth Amboy Jewish Community and stepped up to serve wherever and whenever he was needed. His many friends recognized and appreciated his impressive intellect, skills, personality, and humor — all of which were overshadowed only by his great humility.

Shep is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law — Scott and Nancy, Nick and Cathy — and his brother Vevy. His death is a loss to all of us, and we will all miss him greatly. He will be remembered by all as one of our heroes.