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May 7, 2004/Iyar 16 5764, Vol. 56, No. 33
A community remembers
Standing-room crowd mourns Paul Chait
JENNIFER GOLDBERG
Staff Writer
More than 600 people packed into Temple Solel on April 30 for the memorial service for 33-year-old Paul Chait of Phoenix, who died April 27 when a former friend allegedly walked into the business Chait shared with childhood friend Martin Garcia and shot and killed them both.
"My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Paul," officiating rabbi Alan Berlin said in his opening remarks.
The sanctuary at the Paradise Valley synagogue was packed with a standing room-only crowd, and mourners spilled out into the foyer. A cousin of Chait noted that mourners had come from South Africa, Australia, Venezuela and Korea for the funeral.
"Paul touched countless lives, and his legacy is an enduring one," said Berlin.
The mourners heard eulogies from Chait's older brother Trevor and younger brother Greg, among others.
"I'm not shocked to see the standing-room crowd to honor Paul Chait," Trevor Chait began. He lauded his brother's indomitable spirit, his kindness toward and respect for all people and his love for his family. "He was loyal, energetic, full of life and devoted to his family. He was a great human."
Friends of Chait who spoke remembered his open, fun-loving nature and how he adored his wife, Cindy, and their son, 18-month-old Bode.
"Above all, Paul will be remembered as a man who loved his family," said Berlin.
This week, a Maricopa County grand jury indicted suspect Howard Collin Fisk on two counts of first-degree murder, according to The Arizona Republic. He was a high school friend of both Chait and Garcia.
Chait's survivors include his wife, Cindy; son, Bode; parents Nancy and Gordon Chait and Avril and Harlan Sher; and brothers, Trevor and Greg.
Contributions in memory of Paul Chait can be made to Bode Chait's educational fund at any Bank of America, account number 0046 5836 9607.
Contact the writer at jennifer_goldberg@jewishaz.com.
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