Meyer H. Fishbein

Meyer Harry Fishbein was born on May 6, 1916. He Grew up on W 100 th Street, Manhattan and later moved to the Bronx, near Claremont Park in New York. His father, Jacob, had a laundry business. Meyer’s mother, Celia Weinstein Fishbein was born about 1891, and worked in a textile factory in New York. Celia and Jacob had immigrated from the Ukraine. Meyer’s sister, Irene, had two children with her husband Eddie Greene – Susan and Michael. Irene died from breast and lung cancer before reaching the age of 50.

After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, Meyer worked for a large commercial laundry and took courses at City College. He later received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from American University. Studying American History, he had completed his coursework for a Ph.D.

Meyer joined the US Army and was stationed in Britain and France during World War II in the Army Corp of Engineers. After the war, he joined the National Archives, where he worked for 30 years. Meyer became the head of Records Appraisal and led the early automation of national records keeping. Later, he became the Director of Military Archives which was his position when he retired. While at the Archives, he became chair of the US archivists association and led an international committee on records automation.

Meyer married his dear wife Evelyn Rose Centner, from Gloversville, NY, who he affectionately referred to as “Bubbie”. Evelyn had attended Columbia University Teacher’s College and was teaching children in the New York area. They moved to Alexandria, and later to Wheaton, and Bethesda Maryland. Together they had two children, Daniel Eli Fishbein and Diane Hanna Fishbein. Meyer and Evelyn have 4 grandchildren, Michael and Bethany Fishbein and Daniel and Alana Shapiro. They moved to Riderwood Village in 2002, where they were well known spontaneous dancing at musical events. Until very recently, including the 2016 election, Meyer also taught classes on history and politics.

One of Meyer’s main interests was travel. He traveled extensively on road trips with his family, and internationally for work. In later years, Meyer and Evelyn attended elder hostels all over the country where they took courses and enjoyed meeting new people with similar interests. Meyer and Evelyn had many friends and colleagues. Evelyn always said that Meyer suffered from “hurry sickness”. He was always in a hurry, even reluctant to have his children use the bathroom during their cross-country trips.

Meyer was known for his intellectual interests, particularly in history, politics, and his cultural identification with Judaism. However, his family was first and foremost. He was absolutely dedicated to Evelyn, his children and grandchildren. As the family patriarch, he presided over major life events for his extended family. He was always sought out for his wisdom and advice and always willing to share his perspective from a life well lived.

Meyer was a stoic; he was never emotional or anxious. Always accepting of whatever came his way. As he was facing death, he was accepting and practical in his approach. He only worried about those he would leave behind.

Here is an article about Meyer from the Riderwood newsletter:

https://www.ericksonliving.com/tribune/articles/2015/10/historian-makes-history