I. Saul Nechtem, 91, a proud lifelong resident of Chelsea, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his beloved family on August 9, 2007. He was the beloved husband of Gladys (Mack) Nechtem, with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage on June 21, 2007.
Born in Chelsea, the son of the late Wolf & Rebecca (Rosengard) Nechtem, he was raised & educated in Chelsea, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1935 where he was named Chelsea’s greatest all around athlete. During his high school years, Saul captained the Chelsea High School State Championship Basketball Team. After high school, he went on to study at Boston University from which he graduated in 1939 after earning his B.A. degree in Education. Saul also went on to earn his Master's Degree in Education & his Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies from Boston University. While at B.U., he was 1 of only 2 student athletes to earn 12 varsity letters in 4 sports within 3 years – football, basketball, track, & baseball. He was an All-American in football & basketball, & held the high jump record at Boston University until the early 1960’s. As a result of his hard work & success, Saul was inducted into the original Hall of Fame class at B.U. He played for the predecessor of the Boston Celtics, the Boston Goodwins, & received numerous offers to play professional football & baseball. Saul’s heart never left Chelsea, & instead of taking any of these offers, he decided to remain in Chelsea where he became a public school teacher & coach. Throughout Saul’s career – which lasted over 50 years – he served as a teacher, mentor, coach, & friend to all. For 35 years, he served as the Chelsea High School Athletic Director & Physical Education Director. He was a loyal member of the Chelsea School System & turned down numerous offers to become the Athletic Director at a number of local universities & colleges.
During World War II, Saul was called to service for his country, serving as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific under Admiral Bill Halsey as a communication officer, & was the recipient of numerous awards & commendations. Despite all of his achievements & accomplishments, Saul remained a humble man who dedicated himself to his beloved family, & was proudest of them & their accomplishments. An active member of the community, Saul served as Camp Director of Camp Manitou in Oakland, ME from 1947-1970 & of Camp Bauercrest in Amesbury, MA from 1970-1990 & through his involvement in these camps helped to shape & influence the lives of thousands of young men. He was a member of Temple Emmanuel in Chelsea, B’Nai Brith, the New England Sports Lodge, Greater Boston League of Athletic Directors, MIAA, & the Jewish War Veterans.
In addition to his beloved wife, Saul is survived by his devoted children, Karen Shone & her husband Ronald of Scituate, Todd Nechtem & his wife Lynne of Topsfield, & Amy Nechtem of Swampscott; & his cherished grandchildren, Brad Shone & his wife Jennifer, Robin Shone, Peter Nechtem & his wife Sara, Andrew Nechtem, & Kate Nechtem Clayman. He was the brother of the late Jacob Nechtem & Bessie Bidderman.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 1:00 PM in Temple Emmanuel, 60 Tudor St. (at Cary Ave.) Chelsea. Burial will follow in the Temple Emmanuel Cemetery, Danvers. Memorial observance will be held at the home of Amy Nechtem, Swampscott on Sunday from 4-9 PM & on Mon. 4-9 PM. Contributions in Saul’s memory may be made to Temple Emmanuel, 60 Tudor St. Chelsea, MA 02150 or to a charity of one’s own choosing.