by: laradiamond
Josef Joshowitz was born on October 15, 1885 in the Austria-Hungarian Empire--modern-day Tiachiv, Zakarpattya, Ukraine. His parents were Chaim and Mindel Eizikovic Joshowitz.
Esther Rutner was born on March 25, 1882 in Kolodne, Zakarpattya, Ukraine to Shmuel Moshe and Rochel (Fuchs) Rutner. Shmuel Moshe's parents were Mendel and Itta (Farkas) Rutner; Rochel's parents were Baruch Tzvi and Malka Fuchs.
In 1906, Jozef went to America with his older brother Isak; their destination was an Eizikovic uncle in NYC. It's unknown how long he stayed, but he was definitely back in Europe by 1912.
On February 8, 1912, Jozef and Esther Joshowitz were married in Kolodne.
Then their first son, Yitzchak was born on February 12, 1913.
Before Yitzchak was a year old, Jozef left to America again. This time, he ended up in McKeesport, PA.
WWI delayed Esther & Yitzchak's joining their husband and father. They were finally able to go in 1920, and Yitzchak became Isadore or "Izzy."
Soon the first American-born member of the family arrived--Minnie was born on February 19, 1922 in McKeesport, PA.
The family soon grew, with Mollie's birth on April 15, 1923 and then twins Ruth and Herbert's birth on November 17, 1927.
The Depression affected the family, but Jozef's work as a fruit vendor helped them make it through. All of the kids graduated from McKeesport High School.
Mollie married Larry Loden in 1942.
During World War II, Izzy joined the US Army and was a Captain based out of England.
In 1947, Jozef Joshowitz was killed in a car accident.
Izzy went into the scrap metal business, as the owner of Braddock Steel. He worked there until he was in his 90s.
In 1948, Minnie married Lou Tolchin from Pittsburgh.
Ruthie married Morris "Moe" Lockspeiser in 1950, Herbie married Joan Mogerman in 1955, and Izzy married Yetta Burke in 1960.
Esther Joshowitz died on August 30, 1941 in Glassport, PA.