Red Bank man is inducted into high school hall of fame
Harold Komar of Red Bank has been inducted into the Red Bank Regional
Education Foundation's Alumni Hall of Fame. Photo by Jill Huber
Harold Komar of Red Bank has been inducted into the Red Bank Regional Education Foundation's Alumni Hall of Fame.
Komar, 85, a supporter of local Jewish causes, was a member of the 1941 Red Bank High School graduating class (the name of the school was changed in 1970).
He was one of nine inductees chosen based on their lifetime accomplishments, according to Donna France, chair of the RBR Education Foundation.
The sixth annual Hall of Fame dinner took place on May 4 at Branches in West Long Branch.
Komar is a longtime volunteer for Jewish Family and Children's Service and a donor to the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County. He and his wife, Adelaide, were honored as volunteers of the year by the JF&CS in 2001.
The Komars, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in September, were founding members of the Ezra Committee, a social action group at Congregation B'nai Israel in Rumson. Komar became a bar mitzva there in 1935, when the synagogue was located in Red Bank. He has also performed volunteer work for area hospice facilities and was a board member of the Monmouth Arts Foundation.
"It's an honor to support your community and to support projects that are important to you in the Jewish community and in the community at large," he said. "That's the way I was raised and that's how I've tried to live my life."
Komar is modest about his achievements and acts of generosity and prefers not to discuss all his activities in a public forum. However, he did express his gratitude upon receiving this latest honor.
"I'm very happy and proud to be inducted," he said. "I've had a wonderful life as a member of the Red bank community."
The World War II Navy veteran was a photographer during his military service and continues to take photographs.
"But it's a hobby – not a profession," said Komar, who lists gardening as another longtime hobby.
Prior to his retirement, Komar and his brothers, Sidney, now deceased, and Herman, 96, operated Charles Komar and Sons, a lingerie business in New York City. The company was founded in 1908 by Komar's father.
"My father, Charles, was a fabulous man," he said. "I have wonderful memories of him and of my mother, Esther."
The business is now operated by his son, David, who lives in New York, and two nephews, CEO Charles Komar and Jay Harris.
Komar also has a sister, Madeline, 90, who currently lives in Massachusetts and Florida.
In 1992, Komar and Adelaide sought the assistance of the Jewish Family and Children's Service to facilitate the move of 11 cousins from Moldavia in the former Soviet Union to new lives in the United States.
"We couldn't have done it without help from JF&CS," Komar said. "They helped secure apartments for the family and provided a lot of guidance along the way. And because they had such a good introduction to this country, my cousins all adjusted well, pursued their education, and got great jobs."
Komar and his wife often travel to Israel to visit their daughter, Amy, who has lived in Jerusalem for 22 years; their daughter and son and an assortment of grandchildren (and one great-grandchild) in the United States and Israel continue to provide the most satisfying aspect of his life, he said.
"I've put them all on notice," he said. "I'm expecting a great celebration for my 100th birthday."
Comment | | |
All rights reserved