Alek and Genia Goldsher

Alek Goldsher, a resident of North Windham from 1950 until 1989, where he was a chicken farmer, recently celebrated his 101st birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Born in Sosnewic, Poland on August 25, 1913, Goldsher fought for the Polish Army during World War II before being captured by the Nazis and imprisoned at Auschwitz concentration camp.

Following the war, Goldsher met Genia Apfelbaum. Sixty-eight years later, the two are still happily married and living in Sunrise, Fla. The Goldshers were members of Temple B’nai Israel in Willimantic for more than 30 years.

Goldsher celebrated his milestone birthday at a party hosted by his son, Barry Goldsher and his wife Harriet at their home in Avon on August 24. In attendance were his other children, Rose Goldsher of East Hartford, Alan Goldsher of New York City, and Suzie Goldsher, who flew in from her home in San Diego, Calif., as well as his granddaughters, Emily and her husband Jason, Lacey and Tessa, and several friends. Goldsher’s grandson, Noah Goldsher, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, was unable to attend.

“My dad, who is constantly telling stories and jokes, kept everyone entertained,” reported Rose Goldsher. “It was my parents’ wish that we were all together in the same place at the same time.”

Which just goes to prove that, even at the age of 101, wishes do come true.