Birth date: Sep 17, 1926 Death date: Feb 13, 2024
Fishl was born September 17, 1926 in New York City. At an early age, Yiddish was the primary language spoken at home. His upbringing was strict Orthodoxy, for his mother, Pearl, brought the orthodox background to the family which Read Obituary
I am a graduate Riverdale high school in 1964. My thoughts over the years would go back occasionally to Mr. Kutner. He wasn’t my science teacher, but I was in the astronomy club and he would take us out at night with our telescopes. This began my interest in astronomy that led to my career and aerospace engineering with a degree from Texas A&M. I was in Northern California the same time he was. How many people in our past are so close by and we do not even know, And that are still alive. There are not many people that worked as hard and achieved as much as he did anymore, and also remained true to his faith. As a Roman Catholic, we were remain close to our Jewish ancestry. He his family remain in our prayers.
Oh Philip, do I miss you! I miss our weekly chats, your wit and how much you have taught me about computers. Every time I run into an interesting article, my first reaction is to forward it to you. It's been an amazing 30 or so years and I thank you for it.
There are a few people who have made an impression on my life, mentors. Fishl was one of them. I felt great love and respect from him and love and respect him. Thank you.
Ruvn (Roland) Millman
I have known Fishl for many years and used to call and speak to him and Sally from time to time. My condolences to his family. He was a dear, dear man and a lover of Yiddish as I am. Sonia Pressman Fuentes, [email protected]
I remember a quote that spoke of a great man as being one who leaves others at a loss when he is no longer with us. This, truly, applies to Philip “Fishl” Kutner. When I think of him, I visualize him smiling, happy, and sharing all his joy and wisdom with anyone who’s lucky enough to spend time with him. I miss him. His love of family, learning, and teaching, his warmth and kindness, appreciation of a good story and a good joke will remain with me always. He is a gift that never stops giving. Thank-you Fishl for enriching my life so deeply. You will forever be loved and appreciated.
A *Giant of a Mensch* whose limitless life-long curiosity and love of learning was matched by his devotion to Yiddishkeit and love of family. He gave me a big break with publication in Der Bay and strengthened my bond with Yiddishkeit as well. Friendship with his daughter Debbie is also one of his greatest gifts to me. We will always miss him.
אונזער מתנה איז אַוועקגענומען געווען
I "met" Fishl only on Zoom, when he attended the Lehigh Valley, PA Yiddish Club. He was a charming man and I wish I had really known him. I offer you my sincerest condolences.
Another reason for entering this comment is that I read his obituary and was intrigued by the fact that his mother emigrated from Tiktin in 1922 at the age of 20. My father's family emigrated from Tiktin in 1926 when my Dad, the youngest of 3 brothers, was 13. His brothers were probably 15 and 18 at that time, and were active in the Zionist youth groups in Tiktin, so, if Fishl's mother was, too, it's possible that they may have crossed paths. My father also had two older sisters who were married by 1926 and didn't emigrate with the family. They and their families perished in the Holocaust. But their ages were probably closer to Pearl's age and they very well might have known each other. I have the Tiktin Yahrtzeit book and there are pictures of the Zionist youth groups. They were quite large. Also, my grandmother owned a coat factory in Tiktin, so she, and possibly her family, were probably well known in the town. My husband and I traveled there with my father in 2007 when he was 93. There's not much left of the bustling town my father remembered, just the town square and the restored, historic synagogue, which is now, of course, just a museum. One could hardly call it a town at this point.
I am sorry for your loss. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion
Fishl’s committment to Yiddish was so impressive! I’ve been a member of FYG since it came online. It’s been really important in my life. Meeting Debbie and experiencing her commitment to the Yiddish community has set an important example for me.
I’m sorry for his loss. May his memory always be a blessing.
MIT freindshaft und liebshaft,
Rita Lieberman
Thank you for keeping the fire burning, Fishl, and for sharing your love of Yiddish and Yiddishkayt with others.
