Obituary: Isadore "Izzy" Beresin, 99, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Isadore "Izzy" Beresin, 99, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022. Born December 30, 1922, he was considered to be in his 100th year. He was a lifelong Danbury resident.

Izzy was slight in stature, but powerful in presence. He was hard-working, tenacious and stubborn yet sweet, charming, fair and loyal. He loved people, and they simply loved him. He would engage in conversations wherever he was and had a keen interest in others. As his countless friends and acquaintances will attest, he brought them joy with his infectious smile and unique stories.

Izzy was born in Danbury to Jacob and Sophia Beresin. He attended Danbury public schools and immediately enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation from Danbury High School. Izzy said he was a "wet behind the ears" 18-year-old who grew up eating Kosher and never traveled away from his hometown. He felt his experience in the service shaped who he was as a young man and laid the foundation for the rest of his life. He was assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron 48th Fighter Group. He served as an airplane maintenance technician, traveling throughout Europe. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sergeant with various awards and citations including the Bronze Star and Good Conduct medals as well as a Distinguished Unit Badge and a European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. Despite all of this, he will also tell you he threw up in every water bucket on the transport boat and was happy to end that part of his experience.

Izzy met the love of his life, Esther "Sibby" Sibilio when he returned from the Air Force. Izzy was born and raised Jewish and Sibby Italian Catholic. In that era, it was considered a mixed marriage and frowned upon. This did not stop their love for each other, and in 1950 they were married by a justice of the peace with two friends present. It only took a few years, their first child and their unwavering love for each other to win over their big multi-generational, multi-cultural family and friends. They were lifelong members of the United Jewish Center. Izzy remembers where the first Temple was located and a certain Mr. Fixman who came to his home every evening to tutor him as he prepared for his Bar Mitzvah. Izzy and Sibby remained deeply involved with the Danbury community throughout their nearly 70-year marriage. Although Sibby passed away in 2020, Izzy continued his conversations with her until the day he died. He was devoted to her and showed it in many ways, including learning how to cook, clean, shop and manage the household at age 85 when he took on responsibility for her care.

Izzy resumed his 51-year retail career after leaving the service. His experience started in newspaper delivery as a child. He pulled a cart delivering papers to Danbury Hospital, which consisted of only one building at that time. He graduated to fruits and vegetables at age 13 and on to the Army and Navy Store in his early twenties after the service.

Izzy spent the majority of his career managing and overseeing The Bargain World on West Street earning his “Mr. Bargain World” title – as many still call him today. He considered a forty-hour work week part-time and for many years worked 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week. He had endless stories, including the time he caught someone walking out of the store wearing multiple layers of merchandise to the time he sold 700 sleds and 1,000 bikes for Christmas. He loved the store, the employees and his customers. Many will recount being less fortunate yet always receiving what they needed because Izzy always found ways to provide it. To this day, we hear from individuals who either worked for him or were store customers what heartfelt, fond, meaningful memories they have of him. When Izzy retired from The Bargain World, the owners sold the business because they said it was easier than trying to replace him.

Izzy retired in 1987 and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. He said, “I always worked. Now I have a new job – not working.” He and Sibby traveled extensively in the United States and Europe always open to new cultures and adventures. He was an avid golfer and played for the Richter Park Seniors. He was always busy with family and friends.

In 1998, during his retirement, Izzy was awarded the Old Timers Athletic Association of Greater Danbury Sports Award. He played baseball and basketball for Danbury High School. He played fast pitch softball in the service and won two group championships in Europe. When he returned to Danbury after the service, he played Dusty League basketball and Industrial League softball. He was the batting champion while playing for the Gillotti Brothers. He won a city championship with Mutual Fur, batting over .500.

In his 80s, he hit two holes-in-one on two of the most difficult holes at Richter Park, considered to be one of the most challenging public golf courses. His hobbies continued into his later years, where in his 90s he grew tomatoes and eggplants to enter into Bethlehem Fair’s annual competition and won prizes for his gardening. Much to his family’s chagrin, he also proved to be a successful champion of their annual March Madness bracket competitions – for not one, but two years in a row.

He was an avid Danbury Mall walker, but at age 97 switched to walking his hilly neighborhood where he became its unofficial Mayor. He walked during all four seasons. In winter, you’d find him bundled in a Danbury Hatters blue and orange wool cap, a shedding navy blue down jacket, sweatpants with thermals and very thick gloves. He talked with his neighbors every step of the way. He knew the details of their lives and even of their pets. He missed those walks and conversations dearly near the end of his life, but they sustained him nevertheless.

He had a sharp mind and wit. He read several newspapers daily, front to back. He could talk current events, politics and sports with anyone and often knew more about a myriad of subjects than most. He was deeply and avidly interested in others, and he was thoughtful in giving advice. He often surprised us with his thoughts and words. He remained fiercely independent until the end and that was truly what was the most important to him.

He was immensely proud and supportive of his three “beautiful daughters” – how he referred to them – and meant it as a statement about their spirits, not their looks. He was a staunch supporter of women’s rights, and together with Sibby shaped his daughters to be strong and independent. He developed a special bond with each and made sure they never parted without saying “I love you.”

Izzy leaves his three “beautiful daughters”, Sue Beresin, Dori Alzamora and Jody Beresin of Woodbury, his much-enjoyed sons-in-law, Jay Alzamora and Bob Bouclier of Woodbury, his beloved grandchildren Andre Beresin of Waterford, NY and Tyler Alzamora and his wife Rachel Alzamora of Santa Rosa, CA. And yes, two great-grandchildren, Bennet Bacon and Violet Esther Alzamora. He is predeceased by his wife, Sibby and his son-in-law Everett Walens of Woodbury. There are countless others who he touched and who touched him deeply. In keeping with Izzy’s spirit, make sure you say “I love you” when parting from those you hold special.

The family plans to hold a joint and informal “Celebration of Life” for Izzy and Sibby in early Fall. We welcome all those whose lives they touched. We will communicate the time and place at a later date.

Donations in Izzy’s honor can be made to an organization of your choice. Izzy would love to know those less fortunate have been helped by a friend in his memory.
Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury is in care of arrangements.