Sam Harelik

HARELIK, SAM November 19, 1914-February 25, 2006 Sam Harelik, noted long time local men's clothing store owner and civic worker, passed away Saturday morning, February 25th, at his home. A graveside service is planned at Congregation Agudath Jacob Cemetery at 4 pm Sunday, February 26th. A memorial service will be held at Congregation Agudath Jacob, 4925 Hillcrest Dr. on Sunday, February 26th at 5:15 pm, Rabbi Gordon Fuller, officiating. Born to Russian immigrants Haskell and Matley Harelik November 19, 1914 in Hamilton, Texas, Sam was the oldest of three brothers. He was president of his senior class and quarterback of his high school football team before graduating at the age of 16 from Hamilton High School and leaving to attend college at the University of Texas. World War II interrupted his college career and Sam served in the Navy in the south Pacific under Admiral Nimitz before returning to Texas at the war's end. He married Wacoan Margaret Rosen Harris on May 20, 1947 and the couple had twin sons, Leibel and Harry Harelik before moving to Waco, Texas in 1951 to open Harlik's Man's Shop. The Hareliks remained in business for 33 years, surviving the 1953 Waco Tornado early in their business careers. Sam was a long time member of the Founder's Lion's club as well as the Karen Shrine and Congregation Agudath Jacob, where he was a long time board member and past president. He was active in Downtown Waco, Inc, was a past President of the Jewish Federation of Waco and was a popular reading tutor to students of Crestview Elementary school before his illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, his son Harry of Waco and son Leibel and his wife, Debbie of Austin; five grandchildren, Adam and Noah Harelik of Houston, Alyssa Harelik Morrow and husband Eric of Plano, Jarrod Harelik of Plano, Joshua Harelik of Diamond Bar, California; step grandchildren Sarah and Dakota Palmer of Austin; brother Milton and wife, Dorothy of Hamilton; sister-in-law Julia Ellis of Houston; brothers-in-law Joe Rosen and wife, Sue of Arkansas and Arthur Rosen and wife, Ruby of San Marcus; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are the board and members of Congregation Agudath Jacob, the members of the Founder’s Lions Club of Waco, and the members of Waco Karem Shrine. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity or: Congregation Agudath Jacob Endowment Fund, 4925 Hillcrest Dr. Waco, Texas 76710, Founder's Lions Club Park Trust, %1716 North 42nd, Waco, Texas 76710, Shriner’s Hospitals For Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, Florida 33607, The Sam and Margaret Harelik Endowed Scholarship Fund at McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708 or Prostate Cancer Resource Center,% 2302 Euclid Ave, Austin, Texas 78704. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com