Joseph Henry Hecht died peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital in Norfolk, VA at age 99. Joseph was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk having been born on July 21, 1925, to Irving and Yetta Leibowitz Hecht. Joseph was educated in the Norfolk Public School system graduating from Maury High School before entering the Navy in 1943. He served as an aircraft maintenance technician in Florida until the end of the war. Upon his discharge he returned to Norfolk enrolling in the Norfolk Division of William and Mary and completing his studies at the University of Virginia from which he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. He was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple.

It was during this period that he met the love of his life Evelyn Babette Schwan. Evelyn was on a double blind date with a friend of Joseph’s. Family history states that upon her return home she declared that she was smitten with Joseph. They married on September 10, 1949. After spending their first year of married life in Charlottesville, they returned to Norfolk where they spent the remainder of their very happy forty-nine years together until Evelyn’s death on August 24, 1997.

After returning to Norfolk, Joseph entered the family business, Irving Hecht and Company Jewelers. He later changed direction and became a homebuilder. Hecht Construction Company built many homes throughout the area during its almost thirty years in business.

Among Joseph’s greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter Linda Hecht Schwartz, his son Mark Henry Hecht, and his grandchildren Lorin Henry Schwartz and Louis Andrew Schwartz. He is also survived by two first cousins, Janice Leibowitz Gimpleson and Norman Hecht (Sherry) who was like a brother to him as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Evelyn, Joseph was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert D. Hecht and Bertha F. Hecht and Leon J. Hecht DDS and Monie S. Hecht as well as his brother-in-law Henry M. Schwan and sister-in-law Marcia S. Schwan. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Arnold J. Schwartz, MD.

The family would like to thank the many dedicated caregivers who have assisted with Joseph’s care over the years and especially for the past several months.

A memorial service conducted by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg will be held on Tuesday afternoon, February 18, at 3:00 PM at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments on Colonial Ave. in Norfolk. A private burial will precede the service.

Donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Ohef Sholom Temple or a charity of one’s choice.