The number 27 signifies closure and transformation in Hebrew numerology. In the Hindu tradition, it represents the completion of life phases and, in Pythagorean philosophy, balance and harmony.

March 27, 1927 - March 27, 2025

Some spiritual traditions suggest we are entrusted with a mission on the day we are born. The person who lives his life to his fullest potential and completes his mission on earth may die on the very same date the mission began, thus completing a circle.

At five years old, Hy decided his life mission was to be a cartoonist. Despite the precarious risks of his chosen career, he persevered with the help of our mother, Adri, an artist in her own right. Through many years of on-again-off-again employment, they created a loving home for us, their two daughters. Adri was a secret weapon working by his side day and night, inking his penciled drawings so he could meet his deadlines.

Other fathers, shaved and dressed in suits and ties, walked by our house each morning on their way to the train station. Our father threw on a sweatshirt and pants to climb the stairs to the third floor. When asked where he worked, we told people "My daddy works in the attic”. He tried to teach us to call it “the studio” to make it sound more dignified.

An intercom system enabled us to communicate with him without running upstairs. Up in the studio/attic, he heard everything going on in the rest of the house. His disembodied voice often seemed to come out of nowhere. Instructing, correcting, or commanding from on high.

“DON’T DO THAT!”
Mindy’s friend looked around in alarm. “Who was that?”
"My father," she answered.
“Where is he?”
"Upstairs."
“You mean,” her friend asked, "upstairs in heaven?"

Teaching was never part of his life plan but may have turned out to be his greatest mission. He taught at The Joe Kubert School for 43 years, inspiring countless students.

Hesitant to join the staff when his friend started the school, Hy told Joe he didn’t know how to teach. Joe made it sound easy. Do what you do and then tell them how and why you’re doing it.

Adri encouraged him. It would get him out of the house for a couple of days a week. He had worked in the attic for 26 years.

Teaching opened up a whole new world. Explaining to others the hows and whys wasn't so simple. He discovered new insights about the way he worked. He enjoyed the lunchroom camaraderie with his fellow teachers. Many former students became his good friends. He quit reluctantly at 92, only because the industry shift to computers was too much for him to keep up with. The Hy Eisman Teacher of the Year Award now honors some of his former students turned teachers.

When we asked for something “all the other kids had” but we could not afford or maybe he thought we didn’t need the standard answer was “You can have that when I am rich and famous." This became a running joke. It started after Merle saw Nancy Sinatra sing "These Boots Are Made for Walking” on the Ed Sullivan Show. She wanted white go-go boots of her own.

Even though he never bought Merle those boots, he did achieve both fame and fortune. He would be surprised by the number of people who have shared the positive ways he influenced their lives and careers. His lessons continue to be passed on. He was rich with the love of family and friends and all the people touched by his humor and grace.

The day before he died, Hy drew a Popeye head for a visiting nurse. With an ever-critical eye for his own work, he gave a little humph! and said, “ I should have rehearsed first.”

His memory is a blessing.

https://comicskingdom.com/trending/blog/2025/04/06/hy-eisman-a-legacy-in-ink-a-life-in-laughter

https://comicskingdom.com/popeye/2025-04-21?sort=desc

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/teaberryblue_legendary-cartoonist-hy-eisman-passed-away-activity-7311601937332793344-9PI6

https://www.facebook.com/thekubertschool/posts/it-is-with-deep-sadness-that-we-share-the-passing-of-an-incredibe-artist-and-a-d/696776256038229/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHyb4xagbPU/?hl=en&img_index=1

https://www.patreon.com/posts/hy-eisman-125385631

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tayo-fatunla-0750a036_my-tutor-mentor-and-cartoonist-extraordinaire-activity-7311895561463316480-XLqm

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jimkeefe_hy-eisman-march-27-1927-march-27-2025-activity-7311413626429394946-4WM1

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-pirtel_hyeisman-activity-7311416459249790978-frNq

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/03/28/hy-eisman-rip/

https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/remembering-hy-eisman/