Master builder Samuel LeFrak, who died Wednesday at age 85, was remembered yesterday at Temple Emanu-El as a big man who served up big handshakes and big hugs – and who never thought anything was impossible, only that it hadn’t been done yet.
Gov. Pataki called LeFrak “a patron of the arts, an extraordinarily generous philanthropist,” and an American patriot.
Members of LeFrak’s family recalled that the billionaire tycoon’s great interest in people, places and things was legendary – whether it was finding the Titanic, singing loudly off-key to his favorite operas, or introducing himself to everyone.
LeFrak’s son Richard recalled how his father hated funerals. He would always arrive early, Richard confided, and after quickly paying his respects, would say, “Let’s get out of here.”
“You’ll have to stay to the end today, dad,” Richard said.
At the conclusion of the nearly hour-and-a-half service, an organist played “My Way” as LeFrak’s casket was carried out of the synagogue to a private burial service.
Among the other mourners at Temple Emanuel were former Mayors Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani, Bob Tisch, and Empire State Development Chairman Charles Gargano.
