Max Cardozo, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, Holocaust survivor and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6 at the age of 88, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Born in Amsterdam in 1937 to Maurits and Anna (née Gompers) Cardozo, Max’s childhood was shaped by both tragedy and courage. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, he and his family were forced into hiding to escape persecution. With the help of a brave Dutch couple, Arie and Anna Broers, Max and his family assumed false identities and were separated across various hiding places. Max was hidden by five different families, moving six times during the war — always under the threat of discovery. Remarkably, all four family members survived and were reunited after the war ended in 1945.
His story, told in his memoir “A Child Underground,” is a moving account of survival, faith and the resilience of a child growing up in the shadows of war. That memoir is now read in Dutch schools to teach students about the Holocaust, ensuring that the horrors of the past are not forgotten and that the bravery of those who helped is forever honored.
Max immigrated to the United States in 1955 and began a new chapter of life defined by hard work and deep devotion to family. He married the love of his life, Lenore Cardozo, and together they raised three sons: Ron, Elliott (married to Cathy) and Alan. Max worked tirelessly to build a life for his family. He wasn’t perfect — none of us are — but he always tried his best. Through every challenge, he remained steady and strong in the way only a survivor could be.
Family meant everything to Max. He adored being “Opa” to his grandchildren — Avery, Lenna, Brooke, Brayden and Riley — and he and Lenore cherished every moment spent together as a family. Their home was a place of tradition, laughter and stories that stitched generations together.
Max is also survived by his loving sister Betty Lobatto and her husband, Robby, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurits and Anna; his sister Renee Weinshank; and his brother, Ido Fortuin.
He will be remembered not just for what he endured, but for how he lived — with quiet dignity, devotion to his family and a deep sense of responsibility to honor the past by educating the future.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.