Irving J. Halpern
HALPERN: Feb. 3, 1927–March 21, 2025. Irving J. Halpern, 98, passed away peacefully in his home in Oakland on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. Irving was the son of the late Julius and Lillian Halpern, loving husband of Caryl Halpern, younger brother of the late Bernard Halpern, proud father of Steve (wife Linda) and Jeff (wife Candace) Halpern, adoring grandfather of Jonathan (wife Melissa), Allison and Alexander Halpern, uncle and great-uncle of many admiring members of the Halpern and Wechsler families. Irv had his first real introduction to Caryl, his wife and partner in life of more than 70 years, at a tea dance. They enjoyed traveling, music and culture, collecting contemporary art, sharing wonderful meals and times with friends and family in Pittsburgh and Palm Beach and, in recent years, supporting and caring for each other while remaining engaged in the world and events around them. Irv was blessed with a sharp and creative mind and an entrepreneurial spirit, which he shared generously with family and friends. A graduate of Shady Side Academy and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Irv thrived as a businessman, designer and builder, whether it was businesses like toy manufacturers J Halpern Company and Hi Ho Products, financial services company TeleCheck, or the Shadyside townhouse development Ellsworth Mews. He worked closely and well with three generations, including his father Julius, uncle Alfred, brother Bernie, son Steve, nephew Nicholas Lane and other family members, on a range of family and business interests, including toy manufacturing, real estate, banking, retail and philanthropy. He was active in the community, assuming leadership roles at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Bikur Cholim. He loved listening to his wife, his son Jeff, and his grandson Alexander play jazz and original songs on the piano. Irv had an artistic bent. In his early years, he painted, particularly watercolors. He was curious, pragmatic and well informed, and he enjoyed sharing new ideas and recalling facts, figures and relationships with amazing accuracy. He felt true joy in hearing about the latest developments in the lives of his grandchildren Jonathan, Allison and Alexander, and they in turn respected and acted on his advice. He endeared himself to others through a combination of genuine interest in their lives and wise counsel from a lifetime of valuable experience. Irv will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him. Services at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood), Oakland on Monday, March 24 at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to services at temple (10-11 a.m.). Zoom option available (Please call Ralph Schugar Chapel for Zoom link, 412-621-8282). Interment private. Shiva at Rodef Shalom Congregation on Monday night, March 24, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contributions in Irving’s memory may be sent to the Jewish Association on Aging, 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2000 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or a charitable organization of the donor’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC
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