Alex Star

Alex Star or “Papa” as he was affectionately called by all those who knew him, passed away at peace on Thursday, December 9.

Papa was born in a small town in Hungary (Szil) on February 20, 1926.  He was a survivor in the truest sense of the word.  He endured the Holocaust, where he lost a number of family members, and escaped to France. There he learned the electronics trade in Paris. After five years, Papa emigrated to the U.S. with nothing more than the shirt on his back.  With the help of his Uncle Joe Singer, he started a new life in Indianapolis where he worked as a tool and dye maker.

He met the love of his life, Regina with whom he had three children, Eugene, Louie and Tish.  He was a tireless worker, going to school, working and managing apartment houses to provide for his family.

Personal relationships were important to him.  He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of SoBro” where he lived for the past 50 years.  He was active at Beth-El Zedeck synagogue where he was an ex-officio member of the temple “sisterhood”, helping in the kitchen and doing whatever he could to help out.

Papa had a “green thumb”, growing an assortment of fruits and vegetables in his backyard to share with family, friends and minyan, alike.  Papa was not impressed by money or social status.  His legacy is his family and he valued his relationships with each of them.

He is survived by two children, Louie (Janie) Star and Tish (Ben) Doochin; eight grandchildren,  Jennifer Colburn (Russel), Michael Star (Ariel), Brett Star, Jordan Star ( Jordan Szwed), Cole Star, Justin Doochin, Olivia Heller (Daniel), and Rebekah Doochin; and six great-grandchildren, Yossi, Amichai, Pe’er, Yael, Remy and Ansley. Papa was preceded in death by his wife, Regina; and son, Eugene (Rickie).

He will be missed by all that had the good fortune of spending time with him.  May he rest in peace.

Graveside services will be held in Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Cemetery North on Sunday, December 12th at 1 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Beth-El Zedeck minyan fund, 600 W 70th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.