Irving Mendelson (1920 – 2006)

Irving Mendelson was a prominent figure known for his achievements in both sports and business. He was born on January 19, 1920 in Manhattan, New York City. He showcased his athletic prowess early on, excelling in football during his high school years. Irving continued his football career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a standout guard for the Quakers. His performance earned him recognition, and he was frequently mentioned in sports columns and newspaper articles of the time.

After graduating, Irving served in the U.S. Army during World War II, demonstrating his dedication to his country. Following his military service, he ventured into the business world, where he achieved considerable success. He eventually founded and led his own business, leveraging the discipline and leadership skills he honed during his athletic and military careers.

In Irving’s words…

“I was born on Jan 19, 1920 to Pasi Mendelson and Rachel Resnitzka (her maiden name) at 52 East 104 Street, New York, N.Y., no zip code since there were none. My father was 33 years old and my mother 26, and both had emigrated from Russia about 9 years before. My father was very good with his hands and manufactured caps for men to make his living. Because he worked in very dusty conditions, he became ill with tuberculosis and had to move to Thompsonville, N.Y. about 100 miles from NYC and lived on a farm with cows, horses and chickens.”

– Irving Mendelson, November 1997

According to (Irving’s sister) Anne…

“My family settled in an apartment at 103rd St. and 3rd Ave. My father became a cap maker. I was born 2 months later. (There was a beautiful boy but my mother had taken a bad fall and he was stillborn. It broke all our hearts.) 3 years later my sister Dorothy was born and 2 years after that my brother Irving. In the Jewish religion it is an honor for dead persons to have a baby named for them. My grandmother’s mother was Ann. Her father was Irving. Every branch of our family has an Ann and an Irving.”

– Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum, 2005

George Washington Carver Housing Project, formerly 103rd Street and 3rd Avenue, New York, New York

The place where Irving was born was once a street full of brownstones and tenements, but in 1955 it became the George Washington Carver Housing Project,1 above.

According to Anne…

“After World War I there was a deadly flu epidemic. My father got it and was very sick. When he recovered they found that he had a light case of TB and would have to go to Liberty in upstate New York to cure it. When he got there he did get better. It was a resort area and he decided to go into the hotel business. He took an apartment in Liberty … The hotel business was very difficult. It was before the days of freezers, etc. My father rented a hotel and always needed a partner to shore the rent and work. They were always difficult. I worked in the office with my father – my brother was the bell boy – my sister took care of children. The season was May through Sept.”

– Anne Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1925 New York State Census

In 1925, Irving was 5 years old. He lived with his parents, Pasi, 37, and Rachel Mendelson, 31, and his sisters, Anne, 12, and Dorothy, 7. They lived on Thompsonville Road, Thompson, New York. Pasi was listed as a hotel proprietor working on his own account, Rachel as a Housewife, and Anne and Dorothy were both in school. Pasi and Rachel were listed as aliens and had lived in the United States for 13 years.2

Thompsonville Road, Thompson, New York

1930 United States Census

In 1930, Irving was 10 years old. He lived with his parents, Pasi, 40 (listed as “Pacey”) and Rachel (listed as “Ray”) Mendelson, 35, and his sisters, Anne, 17, and Dorothy, 12. His parents’ immigration date was 1912. They rented apartment 4H at 1148 Boynton Avenue, Bronx, New York City, New York. All three children attended school. Irving’s father, Pasi, worked at a grocery store. Everybody in the family spoke English, although Rachel could not read or write it. The apartment was worth $44. They did not own a radio.3

1148 Boynton Avenue, Bronx, New York

The above tenement was built in 1929, making Irving and his family among the first to live there.4

This is a photograph of the extended Mendelson family, sometime before 1934. He is sitting in front of his parents, and his sisters are the two girls standing in the middle of the back row.

In Irving’s words…

“Thompsonville was a very small place and I attended a 1 room school which had 1 teacher and all 12 grades. When 1 grade was being taught, it sat in the front row and the others sat behind and tried to study. It was difficult to do so with a class being taught. Eventually, we moved to larger towns with separate rooms and more teachers.

“My parents worked very hard. My mother was the cook and my father did everything else. Even my sister Dorothy and I both worked when we were very young. And we did not have much family life. We took care of ourselves, for better or worse. My sister Ann lived with my grandparents and always went to larger schools and was able to graduate from Hunter College, a very good school.

“We eventually moved to Liberty, a larger town with a good high school. Though larger, most students participated in many activities so I played football, basketball, and baseball, played trombone in the band and sang in the chorus. Not too good in some, fair in others, and good in football. High school was a great experience with many good friends and activities.

“Time for further schooling and where to apply? The only school I applied to was Pennsylvania. I was accepted late and went to Philadelphia after school started, never having been there before. It was a trying experience.

“Since I was late arriving on campus, there was no room in the freshmen dormitory and I had to find my own housing. Also, I had to arrange admission to the courses I was required to attend. After much hard work, I decided to try for the football team. Practice had already begun and there were three complete teams already chosen. By the time our first game was played I was able to work my way up to the starting team. I also met Sanford Silver, who also tried out for the team but did not make it. But he was my room mate for 4 years and my close friend for many years later until he died while still very young.”

– Irving Mendelson, November 1997

According to Anne…

“My brother Irv Mendelson went to Liberty High School. He played ball – was on the wrestling team and many other sports. When it was time for him to go to college I researched and found the Wharton School at the U. of Pennsylvania. It was the best business college in the U.S. – it was close to NY. Best of allmy grandmother’s brother Lazar Kanefsky had settled in Philadelphia and had a large family there. Irv’s marks were very good and he was accepted. [My husband] Saul was willing to pay for his tuition but he quickly got a scholarship because he was such a good football player. He is short – about 5’8” and only 125lbs then but he was so fast they called him “the Watchman Guard.” He was good enough to make All-American – I’m not sure he did. He made many good friends at Wharton and had a good career there.”

– Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1938-39 Football at Penn

Penn Football was covered in the press during the time that Irving played, and he was mentioned often:

  • Sunday News (Lancaster, PA) – August 28, 1938 “15 Backs Seek Penn Position”
    • George Munger, starting his first season as head coach of the Red and Blue gridiron squad, invited 43 hopeful players to try out for the team. There were three guards of promise: Robert Hunt, Jim Chandler, and Irving Mendelson.5
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – September 1, 1938 “New Mentor Brings Pep and Spirit to Hopeful Quaker Team”
    • An article showcasing George Munger’s background listed Irv Mendelson, of Liberty, NY, as a promising freshman.6
  • Courier-Post (Camden, NJ) – September 8, 1938 “Penn Grid Squad Leaves for Camp”
    • On this day, the Penn Football team left Philadelphia, via Reading Terminal, to stay in the golf course clubhouse in Hershey until September 25 for football practice camp. The train ride took nearly three hours. Irving was listed as a promising sophomore guard.7
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – September 20, 1938 “Munger Demotes 4 Penn Regulars”
    • This article detailed the demotion of four members of the Penn football team, including Balfour Smith, who was replaced as guard by Irving Mendelson. About the four players whom he replaced, Mr. Munger was quoted as saying, “Each one of them was better than the man he replaced and deserved the promotion.”8
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – September 23, 1938 “U. of P. Alumni Watch Gridmen”
    • After many days of rain cleared up, the players training in Hershey were able to get back on the field. Alumni players from Harrisburg watched the practice, joined the team for dinner, and watched games from previous seasons. The only demoted player who was able to resume his position on the first team was Balfour Smith, knocking Irving Mendelson back to the second team.9
  • The Evening News (Wilkes-Barre, PA) – September 28, 1938 “Pennsylvania Prepares for Maroon Team”
    • This article detailed the history of intercollegiate football and the history between the Penn and Lafayette. It claimed that Irving was moved to the first team over Balfour Smith, Munger admitted that he would not have the final lineup ready until “just before game time.”10
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – November 2, 1938 “Mendelson May Start for Penn”
    • An article listing Irving’s physical appearance and history on the football field appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Irving was 18 years old and from Liberty, New York. The team considered placing him in a starting position against Michigan despite being small and young.11
    • This article was syndicated in newspapers all over the country. Each article stated that he is 5’6 ¾” and 169 lbs. Various nicknames were used for him, such as “Mite Guard” (The Morning News, Wilmington, DE),12 “Midget” (The Philadelphia Inquirer), and “Little Irving Mendelson.” He was called “pint size” in the Philadelphia Inquirer noting that he was the shortest, and one of the lightest players in the league. In Irving’s first season on the freshman team, he was injured in a game against West Chester and had to sit out the rest of the season.
    • In the previous Saturday’s game against the Army, Balfour Smith suffered an injury and Irving finished the game for him. In the upcoming week, Irving Mendelson would be the starter against Michigan in Ann Arbor.
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – November 8, 1938 “Pennsylvania U. To Start Two Young Guards”
    • The Brooklyn Citizen claimed that Irving Mendelson and Robert Hunt, both Penn football players, would be two of the youngest starters on the field and both obtained these roles after playing better than more experienced players and that Irving made a splendid move the previous week when he was a substitute.13
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – November 25, 1938 “Quakers Stubborn Defense Thwarts Favored Ithacans”14
  • The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) – December 25, 1938 “Season’s Grid Stars Go On Parade”
    • An article including a photo of Irving on the field was syndicated in newspapers nationwide on Christmas Day 1938. Irving’s freshman-year injury was mentioned and his home address was 3527 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Irving was quoted, “Starting against our traditional foe, Cornell, was my greatest moment.”15

“Starting against our traditional foe, Cornell, was my greatest moment.”

Irving Mendelson, December 25, 1938

While in Philadelphia, Irving initially lived with his father’s cousin, Harry Kanefsky, and Harry’s wife Leah. Harry was a butcher and he had no children. Built in 1935, Harry would have been the first owner of 3527 Haverford Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.16 Most recently used as an office, and in bad condition, it was sold in 2019 for $37,370. According to Harry’s WWII Draft Registration Card, he kept his butcher shop at home.17 The front of this building was likely his display.

3527 Haverford Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – March 24, 1939 “Penn’s Grid Letter Winners Feted, Dined by Varsity Club”
    • George Munger and his football team were honored at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel by the Pennsylvania Varsity Club, where Irving Mendelson won a varsity “P” certificate.18
  • Press and Sun-Bulletin (Binghamton, NY) – August 26, 1939 “Penn Gridders Start Sept. 15”
    • This article announced the 1939 training camp in Hershey for 50 potential new players. Noting a loss of 12 graduated seniors, the nucleus of the remaining team included Irving Mendelson, who had started the final three games of the prior season.19
  • The Brooklyn Daily Eagle – September 3, 1939 “Penn Well Fortified With Ball Carriers”
    • This article announced physical examinations and festivities the night before the potential players left for Hershey, where they would practice until September 30th. Irving Mendelson was listed as one of the guards invited to return.20
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – September 12, 1939 “Munger Hopes to Develop Tackle Posts at Penn Grid Team’s Camp at Hershey”
    • Line coach Rae Crowther had the responsibility of assimilating new players into the existing team. His ability to do so was reflected in this passage: “It will be recalled that last season Crowther developed Bob Hunt and Irving Mendelson, 18-year-old sophomores, into two first-ranking guards by the middle of the season.“21
  • The Evening News (Harrisburg, PA) – September 14, 1939 “Training Camp of U. of P. to Open Tomorrow”
    • A list of surviving players from the previous season included “Irving Mendelson, watch-charm left guard.”22
  • The Courier Post (Camden, NJ) – October 26, 1939 “Penn Tries 2 New Guards on Varsity”
    • This article stated that Irving Mendelson and Bob Hunt would be starting the upcoming game, replacing Al Brechka and Balfour Smith. Both had been seen drilling with the varsity squad the day prior.
  • The Morning Post (Camden, NJ) – November 1, 1939 “Munger Seeks Fumbling Cure for Penn Backs”
    • This article stated that Al Brechka and Balfour Smith were returned as starters because they were “regarded as better physically able to withstand the expected punishment by a much heavier Navy line.”23

1940 University of Pennsylvania yearbook picture of the Varsity Football Team

The 1939 Penn Quakers, from the University of Pennsylvania Yearbook, The 1940 Record, Irving Mendelson is on the left page, #23 but the “2” is obscured.24

1940 United States Census

In 1940, 20-year-old Irving lived with his parents, Pasi, 50, and Rachel (listed as Ray) Mendelson, 44, and his sister, Dorothy, 22. His father’s business partner and wife, Morris and Sadie Kriegel, both 50, and three employees: bookkeeper Irene Eby, 21, and bell-hop Sydney Schrager, 28, both of New York, and bus boy Morris Friedel, 34, of Austria, lived there as well. They rented and operated a hotel at 121 7th Street, Lakewood, New Jersey. Pasi and Morris Kriegel operated the hotel, Rachel and Sadie were both home workers, Dorothy was a receptionist at a beauty parlor, and Irving was a college student. In 1935, the Mendelsons had lived in Liberty, Sullivan County, New York.25

Formerly 121 7th Street, Lakewood, New Jersey

Once a stand-alone hotel, the building has been absorbed by the larger hotel next door and is now used as an assisted living home.

1940-41 More Penn Football

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – August 25, 1940 “50 Candidates Invited to Hershey Camp”
    • The 1940 football season training camp in Hershey was scheduled to begin on September 13, 1940, and last three weeks. Players were told to show up in good physical condition for their Bicentennial celebration, a season in which all games would be played at home except for the game against Michigan. Irving, who had received a certificate of completion in 1939, would be returning for the 1940 season.26
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – September 3, 1940 “U. of P. Football Squad Composed Mostly of Sophomore Players”
    • A team heavily reliant on sophomore players, Irving had to compete for the position of short guard. His rising sophomore competition for the position was Morton Shiekman, Thomas Fatkin, and Robert Hartwig.27
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – September 16, 1940 “Penn Griders Begin Serious Work Today”
    • This article revealed that Irving Mendelson was the only short guard on the squad to receive varsity insignia.28
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – September 30, 1940 “One Sophomore in U. of P. Line Next Saturday”
    • The line-up for the opening game of the 1940 season had been announced, with Irving Mendelson, “watch charm guard” at left guard.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – October 6, 1940 “Pennsylvania’s Bicentennial Football Team”
Irving is in the top center-right of the top photo and sixth in the front row in the bottom photo.29
  • Dayton Daily News – October 22, 1940 “Grantland Rice Says”
    • Regarding Irving’s faceoff with Thomas Harmon: “Even the incomparable Harmon will have his trouble running wild against the Mendelsons and others who make up a fast, hard-charging Pennsylvania Line.”30
  • Detroit Free Press – October 24, 1940 “All-American Line Candidates Clash in Michigan-Penn Game”
There was a lot of excitement before the Penn-Michigan game.31
  • The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) – October 29, 1940 “Penn Starts Work For Game With Navy”
    • Irving, with a sprained ankle, was among three players who were injured in the Michigan game but were still expected to start against the Navy team.32
  • The Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA) – October 30, 1940 “Penn Stars Are Injured”
    • Penn lost against Michigan, their first loss of the season. “Irv Mendelson… aggravated a leg injury suffered in the Princeton tilt..”33
  • The Wilkes-Barre Record – November 1, 1940 “Sophs May Take Places Of Reagan, Mendelson”
    • On this day, Irving worked out with the team that day, but coach Munger was not sure if he would be ready to start the upcoming game against the Navy after his recent injury. If not, sophomore Mort Shiekman was prepared to take his place on the field.34
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – November 6, 1940 “Wing Problem Worries Munger”
    • Irving did not start in the game against Navy, but that he would start in the upcoming game against Harvard.35
  • Bradford Daily Record (Bradford, PA) – November 9, 1941 “Penn Favored to Trounce the Harvard Eleven”
    • “Return of Irving Mendelson, watch-charm guard who was hurt in the Michigan game, has strengthened the Penn starting line-up. Mendelson played part of last week’s Navy game but was unable to start.”36
  • Courier-Post (Camden, NJ) – November 9, 1941 “Penn is 3-1 Choice to Defeat Harvard”
    • “Munger welcomed the return of Irving Mendelson to top-flight physical strength. The spunky guard was hurt against Michigan and played only part of the Navy game, but he played so well in practice and looks for another good day against Harvard.”
  • Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY) – November 21, 1940 “On Guard, Big Redmen – – Here’s Penn’s Guard”37
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – November 21, 1940 “Seven U. of P. Regulars Set for Big Test”
    • The final game of Irving’s career, against Cornell, is announced. It is called his swan.38
  • Asbury Park Press (Asbury Park, NJ) – November 24, 1940 “Reagan Shines as Penn Conquers Cornell, 22-20, before 79,935”
    • Penn won their final game against traditional foe, Cornell. “Reagan was Penn’s only 60-minute man, but not its only hero. Irv Mendelson played a fine game at guard and Frick was a standout at center.”39
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – November 26, 1940 “Frick, Penn Mates Honored at Dinner”
    • Frick accepted the award for outstanding performance that was meant for all players, including “for little Irving Mendelson, the half-pint guard, fastest downfield lineman Penn has had in many years.”40
  • The Times Tribune (Scranton, PA) – November 27, 1940 “Yantorn, Bornscheuer Cop Positions on U. P. Eastern Second Outfit”
    • Irving made the first team of the United Press All-Eastern Pennsylvania college football team in 1940. “Irv Mendelson, a true ‘watch charm’ guard at 168 pounds, was exceptionally fast and often beat Quaker ends to downfield tackles.”41
  • The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) – November 28, 1940 “Perry Scott, Muhlenburg Star, Named for All-Pennsylvania First Team by the Associated Press”
    • Irving Mendelson was a guard for the third team for All-Pennsylvania by the Associated Press.42
  • The Morning Post (Camden, NJ) – December 3, 1941 “Cornell Gives Penn, Ohio State 3 Places”
    • Cornell chose Irving Mendelson as one of the guards on their “All-Opponent Team.”43
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – December 19, 1940 “700 Diners to Honor Penn Team Tonight”
    • 700 people dined at the Bellevue Stratford in Philadelphia to honor the Penn football team, who had a record of 6-1-1 in the 1940 season. Irving was one of the seniors who were set to graduate the following June, 1941.44
  • Chattanooga Daily Times – December 29, 1940 “Times All-American Blocking Team”
    • The Times All-American Blocking Team was announced, and Irving was an honorable mention.45
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer – March 18, 1941 “Penn Begins Spring Grid Drills, Army May Get Allen and Stiff”
    • Munger was under a lot of pressure to “plug the gaps” left by graduating football players, including Irving Mendelson. Some of his players were also facing the draft, which made Munger’s job even more complicated.46
  • The Brooklyn Citizen – June 9, 1941 “Sixty-Three Athletes To Get Letters”
    • Penn rewarded 63 graduating seniors with varsity letters, including football player Irving Mendelson.47

Mungermen

Signed by all players who earned varsity letters while playing under coach Munger, Irving’s signature is 18th down on the right side.48

In Irving’s Words…

“My four years at the university were very exciting ones. I went on to make the varsity football team which was nationally ranked and led the nation in attendance for the three years I played. I joined the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and made many friends, some of whom I still have, and successfully earned my degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics from the well-known Wharton School. My first job offer after I graduated was in Philadelphia for a man who had no children. He’d teach me the business to succeed him when he retired. He was a graduate of Penn and had seen me on the football field and thought I would be good for his business. But I did not like living in Philadelphia during a very hot summer and went to work for Abraham and Strauss, a department store in Brooklyn in the executive training program. But again, I did not like working on Saturday and went to work for Cohn Hall Marx in the textile business since Uncle Saul was so successful in it.”

– Irving Mendelson, November 1997

World War II Era

WWII Draft Registration

Irving was listed as “Irving none Mendelson”, the “none” listed in the space for the middle initial. His permanent address was 241 Central Park, west, New York City, New York. His mailing address was listed as 3527 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 21 years old, and his date of birth was January 19, 1920. His place of birth was New York City. His contact was his sister, Mrs. S. (Saul) Rosenbaum (Anne Mendelson), who lived at his permanent address. He worked as a clerk for David Satz, Inc., 1222 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 5’6 ½”, 182lbs, had brown hair and eyes, and a dark complexion.49

241 Central Park West, New York, New York

Irving used his sister’s home at 241 Central Park, West, New York, New York, as his permanent address when he registered for the draft in WWII.50

1222 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Irving worked for David Satz at a department store at 1222 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Irving claimed that Mr. Satz wanted him to take over the store for him. However, the location above was not built until 1968.51

1941 – 15,000 Youths Sign For Draft in Philadelphia

An article from the July 2, 1941, Philadelphia Inquirer stated: “Football Players who offered to swap their sweat shirts for khaki if they’re called included Irving Mendelson, plucky little University of Pennsylvania guard.“52

1942 Enlistment in Army

Irving entered the military on December 9, 1942.53

According to Anne…

“[Irv] was drafted into the army for WW2. He applied for the air force. I was always afraid of airplanes. When they called me with a message for Irv to come for an interview I told them he had had a concussion when he played football and they cancelled the appointment. He was finally drafted into the infantry and luckily had a friend Sam Bretzfield in the same unit. We told him that if he was being sent overseas to let us know – if it was from Philadelphia to mention Kenefsky, if from Boston, name Miller, etc. He finally called, said he was visiting Miller. I was ill again with TB but Dorothy & Mom went and saw him.”

– Anne Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1943 Employed by Abraham & Strauss

A full-page advertisement honoring all employees of Abraham & Strauss who were in the military was printed in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle on Armistice Day, November 11, 1943. Around this message are the names of all the employees who were participating in the war, including Irving Mendelson.54

World War II Prisoners of War

According to the National Archives, Irving was a technician (4th grade) of infantry in the Army. As a prisoner of war, he was held at Stalag 4B Muhlberg Sachsen 51-1355 (main gate shown below56).

The main gate. Copyright: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam NG-1983-9, Dick van Maarseveen.

1945 – 75 Are Wounded from the Philadelphia Area

An article regarding war casualties in the Philadelphia Inquirer on February 28, 1945, revealed that Irving, who had been reported missing and was feared dead, was actually being held in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp after being among the first captured in the Battle of the Bulge.57

  "One other soldier, Sergeant Irving Mendelson, 25, who starred as a varsity guard on the University of Pennsylvania football team in 1939 and 1940, and who previously was reported missing, informed his parents that he is a prisoner of the Germans.
  "Listed as missing since December 21, Sergeant Mendelson wrote from a prison camp that he was one of the first men captured in the German drive through the Ardennes, and expressed the belief that many of the thousands of Americans reported missing in that Nazi assault will be revealed as prisoners. His parents operate a hotel at Lakewood, N.J."

According to Anne…

“[Irv] was one of the men taken prisoner as soon as he got there in the Battle of the Bulge. One morning Saul who always left for the office promptly was hanging around late. He finally gave me a telegram from the War Dept. saying Irv was missing in action. I called Sam Bretzfield’s wife and she had one too. So at least we knew it was a group taking. I went to Lakewood where my parents had a hotel – but I really could not tell them so I came home. Saturday Saul and I had a subscription to the opera and he insisted I go. I did not want to but went anyway. I saw a solder trying to get a ticket – I gave him mine and went home.

“For my birthday in Nov. I got the best present in my life – a card from Irv from Stalag 4B. So I knew he was alive. The Russians finally reached 4B and released all the prisoners. A Russian wanted Irv to drink vodka with him – when Irv refused the Russian got mad – Irv asked him if he was Jewish. The man said yes and Irv explained that he had not eaten in so long he could not drink. Then Irv took off to find [his brother-in-law] Irv Feinberg – he found his hospital – Irv looked him over, cleaned him up and put him on a plane for home.”

– Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1945 A letter from Irv

A clipping from an unknown newspaper was found among Irving’s belongings that reproduced the letter that he sent from Germany on January 3, 1945, while he was being held as a prisoner-of-war.58

"Prisoner of War (From Irving Mendelsohn to his sister from Prisoner of War Camp in Germany).
Dearest Family:
  I am writing this letter on the third day of the New Year in a circumstance far different from any ever before. My heartfelt wishes to you all for a good year that includes a happy reunion soon. I have lived hundreds of years in but a few short days and my tales will be priceless but I must save them till better days. Though the going was rough every moment and at times I never thought I would see a new day, I emerge from an ordeal in good shape and am quite well off. Most certainly do not worry for me. I'll be all right. I regret all the pain and unhappiness this business mat have caused you in the "no news" period. But as in the past, things have always worked out well for us and shall continue so. While here I continue to plan and hope and look forward to the day when I can once again resume living.
  Life in camp is tolerable. Every man is cook and you will be amazed at my prowess. It is a cold winter but we manage to keep warm. There are books, lectures and other entertainment. I can use whatever you can send, but don't be extravagant. Consult Red Cross. My letters are limited, so spread the word. Tell Shirley, give her my love.
                          Love,
                                         Irv

1942-1947 U.S., WWII Jewish Servicemen Cards

Three cards exist for Irving Mendelson in the National Jewish Welfare Board records reflecting that he received a reward after being wounded as a prisoner of war.59

According to Anne…

“Irv took a job at a textile firm – everyone in the family felt it was a good field since Saul did so well. He was being sent to Africa but just before that happened he met a girl from Atlanta, Ga. Gloria Lazear. She was very pretty – size 4 – platinum blond hair – They decided to become engaged and he took off for Africa. Jen, Gloria’s mother, had her parents in Miami and so were our parents. So they went to Miami for Gloria to meet Mom & Pop. After they met my father called me to say that they were happy with the match but were a little disturbed because someone told them that Gloria had been adopted but Jen did not tell them. I said it really did not matter.”

– Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1948 Couple Plans June Wedding

An article in the April 12, 1948 edition of the Atlanta Constitution announced the upcoming wedding of Irving Mendelson to Gloria Lazear.60 From the article: “Mr. Mendelson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mendelson, of New York City and Miami. His sisters are Mrs. Irving Feinberg, of Ellenville, N. Y., and Mrs. Saul Rosenbaum, of New York City.

“Mr. Mendelson is a graduate of the Warton [sic] School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1941 and is a member of the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and the Gotham Club. He was a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s football team and was mentioned as a candidate for All-American in his senior year. He served in the Army of the United States and saw active duty in the European theater. He was a German prisoner-of-war, and was released in June of 1945.

“At present Mr. Mendelson is connected with Cohn-Hall-Marx.61 He is now on an extended business trip in Africa for the firm. Wedding plans will be announced upon his return in June.”

1948 Atlantan Marries in New York Rites

An article that appeared on September 19, 1948, in the Atlanta Constitution reported upon the wedding of Irving Mendelson and Gloria Lazear. They were married in the White and Gold Suite of the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The wedding ceremony was followed by a luncheon. The couple planned to live at 8510 34th Avenue, Jackson Heights, New York, New York.62

According to Anne…

“[Irv and Gloria] were married at the Plaza Hotel and it was a lovely affair. I had made lovely dresses for [my daughters] Neshama and Kathy – they were young children and I did not think they should stay for the reception … They told me one day that they would never forgive me for not letting them stay.”

– Anne Mendelson Rosenbaum, November 17, 1999

1950 United States Census

In 1950, Irving, 30, and his wife, Gloria Mendelson, 22, lived with their daughter, Joanne, born July 1949, at 85-10 34th Avenue, Queens, New York, New York. They also had a live-in maid, Emma Sylvia, 62. Irving and Joanne were born in New York, Gloria in Georgia, and Emma in Portugal. Irving was a department head for a textile company. The household had an income of $7,500.63

The Saybrook, 85-10 34th Avenue, Queens, New York

Irving and Gloria made their first home in the Saybrook, an apartment complex in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York.64

In Irving’s words…

“On January 8, 1952 my wife Gloria and I purchased our new home at 14 Kalmia Lane, Valley Stream, N.Y. … My wife and I raised 2 daughters, and 3 sons here in a happy home with many friends, neighbors, acquaintances.”

– Irving Mendelson, July 14, 2000

According to Anne…

“Gloria and Irv bought a house in Valley Stream L.I. and proceeded to have five children. Joanne, Richard, Peter, Cathy and Robert. Joanne married Jeff Pollak and she has five children – Peter married Cathy and has two boys – Robert married Debby and has two girls and a boy – Richard has another half, a lovely Italian woman who has a son. Cathy is now in her 30’s and has not yet married.”

– Anne Rosenbaum Mendelson, November 17, 1999

14 Kalmia Lane, Valley Stream, New York

A Happy Family

A Family Tragedy65

According to Anne…

“Another blow came when Gloria was diagnosed with Glioma, a cancer of the brain with a six month life period. She had an operation which left her in a wheelchair and died when she was 46 years old.

“I, of course, became very involved. There were five children. Joanne had already married and we were grateful that Gloria was still well at that time. I spent a great deal of time in L.I. – I got a housekeeper for them and we kept things going.”

– Anne Rosenbaum Mendelson, November 17, 1999

In Irving’s Words…

“Gloria died of cancer on January 2, 1973 at age 46, leaving a huge void in our lives.”

– Irving Mendelson, July 14, 2000

Mrs. Mendelson
  FOREST HILLS, N.Y.-Services for Mrs. Gloria Lazear Mendelson, 45, of Valley Stream, N.Y., formerly of Atlanta, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Schwartz Brothers' Chapel here. Mrs. Mendelson died Tuesday. Survivors include her husband, Irving Mendelson of Valley Stream; daughters, Mrs. Jeff Pollak and Miss Cathy Mendelson; sons, Richard Mendelson, Peter Mendelson and Robert Mendelson, all of New York, and mother, Mrs. Jennie Lazear of Atlanta.

Life Goes On…

According to Anne…

“Someone introduced Irv to Phyllis Wishingrad – a neighbor. She had also lost her husband and after a time she and Irving were married. She was always on the go and Irving was a couch potato. Her husband left her a property in Becket, Mass where she has a large house – a lake – tennis courts, etc. They have many homes that were bought by friends so they have a lovely community.

“Irv has retired – will be 80 in Jan. 2000… [He spends his] summers in Mass. – winters in Orlando, Fla. – the rest of the time in L.I. and travelling.”

– Anne Rosenbaum Mendelson, November 17, 1999

In Irving’s words…

“On St. Valentine’s Day 23 years ago, I married Phyllis. [After the death of my wife,] I had turned my energy to my business life, leaving many loose ends in relationship and family responsibility. My older children were out of the house and my 10 year old Cathy was cared for by a series of live in help with not much plan or supervision. We have 12 grandchildren and that is a happy dozen.”

– Irving Mendelson, July 14, 2000

A Growing Family

November 1997 Memoir In Irving’s Handwriting

Transcript: “As I approach my 78 birthday in less than 2 months, many thoughts rush into my mind. Let’s begin with ‘Who is the man we call “Poppy” and what do we know about him and his background and family?’ Very little, other than that he is our father or grandfather. Why? Because I am not much for conversation or emotion. But there is a story to be told and many things you should know!“

2000 New Home

“We are moving in a few days to our new home in North Shore Towers, from 10 rooms to 3. My major concern is, I have no place to hide since I seldom leave the room I am in. However, I will try to do more and hope I can. Hopefully when this pressured week is over, we can return to Becket and enjoy the summer as usual.”

– Irving Mendelson, July 14, 2000

North Shore Towers, Floral Park, Queens

Photo Credit: Business Yab.66

Irving’s final home was in the North Shore Towers, Floral Park, Queens, New York67.

Becket, Massachusetts

Irving spent many summers in Becket, Massachusetts.

One Final Family Photo

Mere hours before Irving passed away, he spent one final afternoon with many of his family members and this photograph was taken.

Death of Irving Mendelson – December 3, 2006

Irving died suddenly on December 3, 2006. His obituary was posted in the New York Times and is still available in the Pennsylvania Gazette.68

Irving Mendelson W'41, Floral Park, N.Y., retired head of the old Townley Manufacturing Co., a textile-converting firm in Manhattan; Dec. 3. One of the famous Munger Men,69 he played varsity football for Penn and earned national recognition as an outstanding guard in 1938, 1939, and 1940. He was a member of Pi Lambda Phi70 fraternity. During the Second World War he served with the U.S. Army (106th Infantry), and survived the Battle of the Bulge;71 taken prisoner early in the counter-offensive, he spent six months in a POW camp in Germany. An active member of the Penn Club of Long Island,72 Irv Mendelson recruited many student athletes for the University, several of whom went on to distinction at Penn and in the wider world; he also established the club’s coach-of-the-year award,73 that helped build Penn’s reputation in the area. He was founding chair of the Class of 1941 Reunion Gift Committee. He established the Mendelson Room74 in the William White Training House in memory of his first wife, Gloria, and he was a noted donor to the George Munger Endowment Fund. Irv Mendelson was honored with Penn’s Alumni Award of Merit75

Irving is buried next to his first wife, Gloria, in Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, New Jersey76.

Irving’s life was marked by his contributions to his community through his business endeavors and his support for various charitable causes. He remained connected to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, contributing to its athletic programs and fostering the next generation of athletes.

Irving Mendelson’s legacy is one of resilience and perseverance, leaving a lasting impact on both the sports and business communities.

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