Norfolk—Howard Melvin Laderberg, 93, died peacefully August 24, 2017, at Beth Sholom Home.
He was a native of Portsmouth, but resided in Norfolk for the last 30 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Alma Goldstein Laderberg. He was the youngest child and last one of his immediate family left to cherish the memories of his parents, Bessie (Sifen) and Will Laderberg (of Poland and Russia, respectively), and siblings Albert, Paul, Sol, Evelyn and Flo.
He is survived by his children, William and Harry Laderberg and Linda (Leigh) Baltuch of Norfolk and Romney Laderberg of Boston, Mass.; his grandchildren Sheila Laderberg Tarasiuk (Dawid), Daniel Baltuch (Ilana), Julie Laderberg Morano (William) and Rachel Baltuch (fiancé Brian). Remembering their beloved Pop-Pop are Amelia Morano, Alice Tarasiuk, and Eliyahu, Yaakov, Eliezer and Chananya Baltuch. Sisters-in-law Thelma Laderberg and Freida Goldstein are among many family and friends who will remember him.
He was a proud WWII Army Air Corp veteran, stationed at Fairfield-Sulsun Army Air Base, which was renamed Travis Air Force Base. He worked on weights and balances for the aircrafts.
A lifelong businessman, his first experiences in the business world were at the family’s Laderberg’s Department Store in downtown Portsmouth, where he worked as a child during the depression. That was followed by other family businesses, The Economy Shoppe with brother Paul, High Point Furniture Outlet with brother Sol. After Sol’s retirement, sons William and Harry joined him at HPFO until it closed.
He grew up attending Chevra T’Helim Synagogue in Portsmouth. He was a longtime member of Gomley Chesed Synagogue, being very active on the board of directors for many years. He was also a member of Temple Israel.
His generous philanthropy can be felt far away in Israel, as well as at such local agencies at ACCESS College Fund, The Foodbank of Southeast Virginia, Beth Sholom Village, Jewish Family Service, and the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, which he initially presented in memory of his beloved wife, Alma. He was honored to be in the position to help others near and far.
In 1970, he received the United Jewish Appeal Leadership Award. He was the Gomley Chesed Synagogue Men’s Club recipient of the Blue Yamulke Man of the Year in 2005.
He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of his tennis buddies until he hung up his racquet at age 84. He immensely enjoyed family activities, giving so many family members great memories for so many years of holiday gatherings at his home.
The Howard Laderberg Family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the following: Carmen B. Johnson (8.5 years) and Leslie Daniels (4.5 years) of Jewish Family Service, who lovingly cared for Mr. Laderberg as though a member of their own families. Other valued members of JFS who cared for Mr. Laderberg over the past 9 years include Frances, Tiphaney and David.
The entire family is very grateful for the presence of Beth Sholom Village, the new home provided for him for the past five years. The comprehensive and compassionate care he received from the entire staff was exceptional. The family liked knowing he was living at a place where, quite literally, everyone knows your name.
A memorial service was held at Beth Sholom Village with Rabbi Michael Panitz and Cantor Elihu Flax officiating. Burial was private.
Memorial gifts of meaning can be made to Beth Sholom Village, ATT: Claire Roth, 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, or to a charity of one’s choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.