About

Nathan Torgovnic

My father’s name is Nathan (Natan) Torgovnick, son of Isaac Torgovnick who, I believe was an original member and officer of the Stopnitzer Society (New York). Nathan was Isaac’s only son among five children. My Dad was a real scrapper, smallish but full of energy. He started out life with many disadvantages, since he was born Jewish in Stopnica (1908). Isaac left for New York in 1913 when Nathan was still very young. Being that young in 1913 with four sisters and a mother to be responsible for, brought his childhood to a quick close. Isaac's family was not to join him until 1923 when Nathan was 14, too old for much schooling, having to work almost immediately upon arriving in New York City.

When he arrived at the end of the Jewish migration to America, he received his minimal schooling before going out into the tough world of the Lower East Side of New York. He worked his way into the restaurant business and by 1935 he left the Lower East Side for the up and coming borough of Brooklyn.

Nat and Abe’s delicatessen opened at 714 Avenue U in Brooklyn and remained opened until 1959. My Dad loved his restaurant and had it open six days a week, many hours a day. I didn’t see that much of him, but when he was home he took me to many places, such as rowing in Prospect Park and going to Coney Island.

When I was old enough to ride a bicycle, I spent many a happy hour at my Dad’s deli, and often invited schoolmates for a hot dog or knish. The deli always had a lively atmosphere, with many regulars. I spent most of my time with my Dad when I was young, often watching television at night or wrestling on Saturday morning.

Even though his store was important to him, family always came first. He married my Mom in 1935, and they had a close relationship until he passed away in 1990. He was great with young children, a neighbor mentioning that he would have made a great elementary school teacher. I always remember when he would get so excited when his grandchildren visited.

As a father, he worked extremely hard so his children and grandchildren would have an easier life. And we have. Like so many of us our lives in America have been built on the sweat of forebears like Nathan Torgovnick.