Eugene Allen Fievish of Harrisburg and Lower Paxton Township was born on May 19, 1930, and passed away peacefully on October 31, 2015 (18 Chesvan, 5776) at 2:00 pm surrounded by his family in a peaceful and serene setting at the Carolyn Croxton Hospice. His niece, Betsy Grady, was by his side, and held him in the last leg of his journey.
Gene was born in 1930, graduated from William Penn High School in 1948, attended Rider College, and was a veteran of the Unites States Army. He served in postwar Germany.
He was a lifetime member of Kesher Israel, and a quiet and generous supporter of the Jewish Community.
Mr. Fievish worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for 9.5 years, but was most visibly recognized as the sole Proprietor of A. Lane Furniture, a mantel he held since 1964.
The family store has been in business since 1926, and under Mr. Fievish’s guidance, the business survived serious storm events including Hurricanes Agnes and Eloise. Employees came to work and delivered a kitchenette on Saturday, March 31st to Highspire during the Three Mile Island coremeltdown. However, the store then fell prey to arson, and was eventually moved to Chestnut Street.
Known as Lane, Gene was a Harrisburg institution, and the last vestige of East European Jewish merchants that once populated Market Street.
Mr. Fievish founded the Lemoyne Sleeper Company and was beloved by the employees, but still remained modest. He was never officially acknowledged for developing the concept of factory direct bedding.
Gene worked six days a week. He did enjoy time with his family, and was a devout Philadelphia sports fan, a loyal patron of the Colonnade and Nick’s 914, as well as local diners too numerous to name. His main pursuits in life were purchasing furniture, selling furniture and attending auctions.
His passing marks the end of an era, and a 50 year strategy of never negotiating price but always delivering for free.
Relatives who have preceded Eugene Fievish in death include his father Emanuel Fievish, his mother, Edith Fievish, his aunts Ann Lane Pearlman, Rebecca Kramer and Sarah Lane, his uncle Harry Lane, and Sean Pearlman.
Surviving Gene are his sister Barbara Epstein, his nephew, Eric Epstein, his niece, Betsy Grady, and his great niece, Gabriela Rodriguez Epstein, and his great nephews, Luke Grady and Nick Grady.
Mr. Fievish was laid to rest at the Kesher Israel Cemetery on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Males and Rabbi Muroff will officiated his burial.
Memorial contributions can be made to Kesher Israel Synagogue at 2500 North Third Street, Harrisburg PA 17110.