Helen Pogachefsky

Helen Brandow Pogachefsky, born on March 4, 1932, in Philadelphia, was the youngest of Louis and Rose Brandow’s four children. The Brandows, a large, close knit family, lived in Philadelphia and spent their summers in Atlantic City, working at their luncheonette, located on Virginia Avenue and the Boardwalk. Helen, a graduate of Olney High, was the President of her high school class.

In 1950, at the age of 18, Helen married her life long love, Herman Pogachefsky. Together they had four beautiful children, Lynne, Beth, Hope and Brad. Helen devoted her early life to supporting her husband, his business and raising their four children, who were the light of her life. Helen was pre-deceased in death by her husband of 44 years of marriage in 1994.

Helen dedicated her life to her children, family and several charities, including Jewish Older Adult Services (JOAS) in Atlantic City, where she spearheaded the building of the Herman Pogachefsky Senior Services Pavilion. Working with City officials, and CRDA, she led this effort so that a center would be created for the community’s aging population, providing social services for older adults and “adding life to years.” She remained active at the center until her death.

 Helen is survived by her adoring children: Lynne (Herb) Schwartz, Beth Melamed, Hope Nichols, Brad (Mollie) Pogachefsky, grandchildren Nikki (Dave) Lehman, Scott (Colleen) Schwartz, Reid Schwartz, Noah (Elizabeth) Melamed, Zach (Courtney) Melamed, Brandon Nichols, Rachel Nichols, Meredith (Harry) Kunhardt, Danielle Pogachefsky, Marni Pogachefsky, Haley (Carrick Gambell) Pogachefsky, and great grandchildren Makenzie, Evan, Tristan, Sloane, Jack, Myles, Mason, Fiona, Olivia, Dylan, Jude, Hugo.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, noon at Roosevelt Memorial Park Mauseloeum, 2701 Old Lincoln Hwy, Trevose, PA 19053. Luncheon immediately following at Philmont Country Club, 301 Tomlinson Rd, Huntington Valley, PA 19006. The funeral will be livestreamed, please contact the funeral home for more information. Shiva will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the home of Brad & Mollie Pogachefsky. Contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to The Herman Pogachefsky Senior Services Pavilion (JOAS) 1102 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401