Frank Blaichman

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Cesia (z"l). Father to Bella and Charles (Aviva); grandfather to Etan, Talia (Tym), Maya, Micah, Sabrina and Noah; great-grandfather to Ceila and Sawyer. Born in Kamionka, Poland, in 1922, Frank was 16 years old when the Nazis invaded. The next year, he defied Nazi deportation orders and ran away to the woods. He soon co-founded a unit of Jewish Partisan fighters, who committed acts of sabotage against German supply trains and disrupted lines of communication, greatly aiding the Allied war effort on the Eastern front. Frank and his comrades protected hundreds of Jews who were unable to fight; many survived the war. In 1945, he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Polish Army and awarded the Cross of Valor. Frank met Cesia, his dearest comrade, in the Partisans. They married, moved to Germany and immigrated to New York City where he pursued a successful career in construction and real estate; respected for his integrity, intelligence and warmth. Frank spearheaded the design and construction of the Memorial to all Jewish fighters at Yad Vashem and delivered the inaugural address. He devoted himself to Yad Vashem, FIDF and JPEF. In 2009, Arcade published his memoir "Rather Die Fighting." As the sole survivor of nine, family meant everything. He cherished life: family and religious celebrations, Friday night dinners and travel, singing and laughter. Frank Blaichman left nothing undone. He now lives in our hearts and our memories. Services to be held Sunday, December 30 at noon - Riverside Memorial Chapel, 76th Street and Amsterdam. Donations may be made to yadvashemusa.org and jewishpartisans.org.

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