Harold Beck

We celebrate the beautiful and happy life of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin, a South Florida pioneer and a committed visionary leader of the community, who passed away peacefully on December 13, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Harold was born on June 2, 1920, in New York City, the son of Samuel Beck and Rose Rosenbloom, who passed away when he was ten years old. Raised by an Aunt and Uncle, he came to Miami in 1938 with merely an eighth grade education and a truck. In 1940 Harold met and married Vivian, the love of his life for 67 years, until Vivian’s passing in January, 2009.

Harold founded Dixie Bedding Company, which was the oldest bedding manufacturing firm in Florida. He sold the business to a New York firm in 1969 and continued to operate the Company for the Purchaser for twenty more years. Under Harold’s leadership, Dixie Bedding became one of the premier manufacturers in the Southeast United States, providing excellence in the service of its many customers. Dixie Bedding was unique as an institution because it always treated its employees as members of a special family. Always active in his industry, Harold was a Founder of the prestigious Florida Association of Furniture Manufacturers, served as its President twice, held every office of the organization and continued to serve as a Director.

When their children were teenagers, Vivian attended the University of Miami obtaining her undergraduate and Masters Degree Cum Laude. She taught as a professor at Miami-Dade College in the School of Business for 20 years and they traveled frequently during semester breaks.

Harold and Vivian’s involvement with local charities was extensive. They worked side by side with Judge Irving and Hazel Cypen providing quality care for the elderly at the Miami Jewish Home, where Harold was President for 30 years. Harold was a Founder and Executive Vice President of the National Parkinson Foundation and received an award from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation for his humanitarian works and philanthropy. The family was a member of Beth David Congregation for over 60 years where Harold and Vivian proudly dedicated the Beck Museum of Judaica.

Harold was predeceased by his wife, Vivian. He is survived by his children, Lillian Kamis (Daniel) and Stanley (Bonnie); his grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, Hayley (their mother Wendy) and Steven, Jeffrey, Alan and Ronald Kamis, and four great-grandchildren.

Harold’s life was well-lived. His family was always No. 1. Throughout his 94 years, he exemplified and fought for his fundamental values: integrity, loyalty, hard work, responsibility, service to community and the love of family and friends. He was a man of God, always available to those in need of an open mind, a willing heart and a listening ear.

Charitable donations to support local charities will validate Harold’s legacy. Services and interment will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at Mount Nebo Cemetery, 5900 S.W. 77 Avenue, Miami, FL 33143.