Maishe was born in Heidelberg, PA to Fannie and Aron Mayer but family recollections are all the result of life and progress in our city of Pittsburgh. He attended Allderdice High School and then went to Philadelphia for Optometry School. Along the way he served with the US Coast Guard in Panama. He and his sister Louise (Mrs. Herb Isaacs) share memories of "A. MAYER and SON" on the South Side, and some may be referring to the same business as The Big D! What I can't provide are any details about how Morris had met his "bashert" Kitty/ Sylvia from Homestead and how life had proceeded for the newlyweds from there.
Maishe loved kids---he was generous and fun-loving at every opportunity. Sue made him a father and then Larry made the Mayers a four-some. The growing up years were sparkled with good times, dear friends, golf games, and trips to Atlantic City. Marty Allen was a special part of the bond and deserves honorable mention. Card games and parties needed no special reason, they just fell into place!
Susan remembers the years at Beth Shalom and Larry's wedding to Francine. She also remembers making sandwiches for the Jewish War Veterans. Daughter-in-law Fran had known him since age sixteen, and she attests to his special and abiding love for his grandchildren: Jay and Jason. Individually and together, they relished trips to the toy store with their grandfather, visits to Daisy Donuts, and the pure glee of wedgies and chewing gum on Jay's nose.
Maishe combined a special blend of humor and humility. He was a loving husband and devoted family man who remembered his Coast Guard buddies and the people at work. He showed interest in Jay's cards and art work; he enjoyed Jason's Bar Mitzvah and tennis games at last summer's Maccabiah Games. He never boasted; he kvelled about his mishpacha.
The Discount Store on the South Side was known for generations as the "BIG D." But Morris Mayer surely rates a much higher grade, a "SOLID A" for the love and the joy and the fulfillment he shared in so many aspects of his life. In the rabbinic tradition of discerning numerical values to the texts and information before us, I would offer that Fran's knowing Maishe since her "Sweet Sixteen" year is a special token of all the sweetness and flavor that were shared together by all the generations of this family. And that is a blessing that no-one can ever take away!