Herman Ovadia

Herman Ovadia, of Long Beach, NY and St. Petersburg, FL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on November 17, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY, he was a graduate of Hewlett High School and then went on to earn his undergraduate degree in engineering from City College of New York where he met the love of his life, Rebecca. They were married on July 1, 1967 and then Herman earned his maser’s degree from Northeastern University. Following the death of his father, Herman and Rebecca moved back to New York where he was a longtime resident of the Five Towns on Long Island.

After an initial career in Engineering he became a successful entrepreneur. Service to others was always central to Herman’s life. He was active in community service for 40 years through Kiwanis, where he served in multiple local and district leadership roles, including a term as Lieutenant Governor for Queens West. He was also a dedicated member of Congregation Benai Asher of Long Beach and Chabad of St. Petersburg.

Herman loved to travel far and wide with Rebecca. They visited countless countries and cities together over the years. Always up for an adventure, Herman was eager to see new places and meet new people.

Herman was also an avid sports fan. No matter who was playing, no matter what they were playing, Herman was a huge fan. He spent many years cheering on his kids from the sidelines just as loudly as he yelled at the Mets and Jets on TV.

Herman is survived by his wife, Rebecca; three children, Seth (Laurie), Philip (Shelly), and Nicole; and four grandchildren, Joshua, Alex, Eva and Layla who he loved more than anything. He is also survived by his sister, Sandy. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam and mother, Fritzie as well as by his sister, Esther.

Funeral services will be held at Sinai Chapels, 114-03 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, on Friday, December 13, at 9:30 am, followed by burial at Wellwood Beth Moses Cemetery in West Babylon.

Shiva will be observed at 100 West Broadway, Long Beach. Shiva hours will be Saturday 6-8p, Sunday 11a-4:30p and 6p-8p, Monday-Wednesday 1p-4:30p and 6p-8p.

Donations in Herman’s memory may be made to the New York District Kiwanis at https://www.kiwanis.org/who-we-are/ways-to-give/donation-form/.