Obituary of Isaac Belfus

Isaac "Lou" Belfus, 97, of Vineland passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022. He was born 1925 to the late Abraham and Fannie (Glick) in Philadelphia, PA. Affectionately known as, Lou, Itz, Uncle Itzy, Uncle Lou and Mr. "B", but most importantly as Dad and Pop-Pop. Lou was one of six children growing up in Philadelphia with his two brothers and three sisters in a warm and loving home. Growing up in the 20's and 30's Lou always worked from a very young age, selling papers in the subway, to delivering potatoes in his wagon, to the time he spent working for a man who owned a chain of ladies stores throughout Philly & Chester. He taught Lou about the fashion industry but more importantly, about being a good and fair boss which came naturally to Lou, who has always been a loving, giving and very caring person. Lou continued to work for the ladies store and while employed there, The United States became involved in World War II. Once he became 18 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where as a member of the 2nd marine Division, he saw action in Saipan and various other campaigns in the Pacific Theatre. After the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Corporal Belfus and the 2nd Marine Division were the first troops to land in Nagasaki and established a communication network and aid the residents of this decimated city. He spoke fondly about the people, especially the children and the great sorrow he felt after seeing the destruction first hand. After his discharge in 1945 he returned to work for the chain of ladies stores, he met the love of his life, Shirley (Steinberg), they married on January 28, 1951 and lived in King of Prussia, PA for several years, each working their 9 to 5 jobs while operating a dance studio after hours. To watch them dance together was an absolute joy. In 1957, a business opportunity in Vineland brought to their attention by Shirley's family who had ties here, brought them to South Jersey. It was a store that sold toys and records. having entrepreneurial spirit they decided to make a go of it. So the Harmony Shoppe was born. Anyone who loved music or needed a TV knew to see Lou & Shirley. All the kids loved to come and hear the new music (The Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin and Chicago) all the guys that worked in the store, Alan, Norby, Reinhardt, Glen, Mike and Gert have always had a special relationship with Lou and Shirley. During the time when downtown Vineland was thriving, Lou and Shirley also operated a children's store Robel. In 1960 their first child Fredric was born and in 1965 their daughter Florence was born. In 1968 Lou and his brother Max started what would become a very successful textile mill in Pittsgrove Twp., NJ where Allivine Knitting Mill flourished into a prosperous venture for both brothers. After the passing of Max in 1975, Lou continued to operate the mill until his retirement in 1995. During that time he and Shirley traveled extensively with their close friends Dave and Jackie Zonies. Dr. Zonies had an adventurous spirit and always had a way of including the most intriguing and educational points of interest. Dr Zonies is to this day Lou's closest, most cherished friend. Lou and Shirley were blessed with six grandchildren, Joshua, Emily, Stefanie, Marcus, Dominic (Amanda) and Michael. Lou enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Lou has always been a kind, philanthropic man, donating to a wide array of charities as well as many museums, civic, religious and military organizations. He was a member of the American Legions, Jewish War Veteran's, The Marine Corp League, VFW, Atomic Veteran's and a charter member of the World War II Museum, The Holocaust Museum and the American Jewish History Museum. Lou was also an avid supporter of the Beth Israel Synagogue, Sons of Jacob and the Jewish Federation, as well as the synagogue his nephew Rabbi Arnie Bender presides over in Israel. Lou is survived by his son, Fredric Belfus; daughters, Florence Bennett (Alan) and Jeanne DiGiacomo (Michael); his six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley in 2003 A graveside services and burial will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 1:00 pm from Alliance Cemetery, 970 Gershal Ave, Norma. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com