Obituary of Stanley Harold Israel

Services were held at the Levine Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 Stanley Harold Israel passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015. Stan was the son of Nathan and Bessie Israel of Albany, NY. Stan had many interests during his lifetime, however, his greatest passion and lifelong achievement was his involvement with Amateur radio. Stan earned the respect and friendship of his co-workers and many around the ham radio world. Many friends have offered wonderful stories about Stan that reflected his fine character, sense of humor, genuine caring about other people, and his generosity with his time and resources. Stan started his ham radio career as a Novice in 1958 and then progressed to Technician Class, WA2BAH in 1959, earning his General license in 1960. Stan continued his progress passing the Advanced and Amateur Extra licensing tests in 1968. Stan followed his dream and moved to Newington, CT to work at ARRL Headquarters where he was employed as a Clerk doing Contest Analysis & helping with DXCC Checking until June 1967. Stan was one of the most active Volunteer Examiners in the northeast; he tutored many hopeful ham radio operators to learn Morse Code in order to pass the Novice and Technician class exams. After Stan earned his FCC First Class Commercial License, he worked at WPTR, WQBK, WMHT and other TV and radio stations. He set an example for others to follow in his footsteps by helping hams to study this most difficult of all exams which is required to obtain technician work at any TV or radio station The greatest tribute and Stan's proudest Ham moments came later in life when his fellow hams, all over the world, thought of him as "Mr. Ham Radio" or would fondly recall Stan as my “Elmer" (a mentor to those who are learning about Ham radio). Stan's happiest times were when he was involved with Ham radio in any way and at any time--the radio contests, chatting on VHF, tutoring young aspiring Hams, buying and selling ham equipment and working as a volunteer, in Schenectady County, helping to organize and implement an emergency response communication initiative. Stan leaves a brother, Steven Israel of Albany, NY. Stan was blessed with two wonderful and devoted children: Emunah Sohn of Elizabeth, NJ (husband, Ron) and Mark A. Israel of Albany, NY (wife, Chana) and eight grandchildren. Stan also leaves his partner in life, Michele Morrett and Nina Israel, his former wife, beloved friend and mother of his children. Stan also leaves many loving cousins and his Aunt Minnie Geiger. Stan's family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many family, friends, and ham radio operators who have offered condolence messages on the Levine Memorial Chapel web site as well as the many amateur radio remembrances about Stan on the QRZ ham radio forum. In lieu of flowers or other tokens, those wishing to remember Stan in a special way can make a donation to Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob, 380 Whitehall Rd., Albany, NY 12208 or to a charity of one's choice.