Joseph Henry Hecht

NORFOLK – Joseph Henry Hecht died peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital in Norfolk, at age 99.
Joseph was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk, having been born on July 21, 1925, to Irving and Yetta Leibowitz Hecht. Joseph was educated in the Norfolk Public School system, graduating from Maury High School before entering the Navy in 1943. He served as an aircraft maintenance technician in Florida until the end of the war.

Upon his discharge, he returned to Norfolk, enrolling in the Norfolk Division of William and Mary and completing his studies at the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. He was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple.
It was during this period that he met the love of his life, Evelyn Babette Schwan. Evelyn was on a double-blind date with a friend of Joseph’s.

Family history states that upon her return home, she declared that she was smitten with Joseph. They married on September 10, 1949.
After spending their first year of married life in Charlottesville, they returned to Norfolk where they spent the remainder of their very happy 49 years together until Evelyn’s death on August 24, 1997.

After returning to Norfolk, Joseph entered the family business, Irving Hecht and Company Jewelers. He later changed direction and became a homebuilder. Hecht Construction Company built many homes throughout the area during its almost 30 years in business.

Among Joseph’s greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter Linda Hecht Schwartz, his son Mark Henry Hecht, and his grandchildren Lorin Henry Schwartz and Louis Andrew Schwartz. He is also survived by two first cousins, Janice Leibowitz Gimpleson and Norman Hecht (Sherry) who was like a brother to him, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Evelyn, Joseph was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert D. Hecht and Bertha F. Hecht and Leon J. Hecht, DDS and Monie S. Hecht, as well as his brother-in-law, Henry M. Schwan, and sister-in-law, Marcia S. Schwan. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Arnold J. Schwartz, MD.

A memorial service conducted by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg was held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. A private burial preceded the service.

Donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Ohef Sholom Temple or a charity of one’s choice.