For most of his adult years, 86-year old Jack Matisoff has devoted his time to helping others. Born in St. Louis, Mo., then moving to Philadelphia for nine years and on to Baltimore where he resided for most of his life, Jack during his high school years helped his Dad in the dry cleaning-custom tailor business. He attended Baltimore College of Commerce and night courses at City College of Baltimore, studying commercial law, economics, management and business administration. Before WW II Jack started a fabric conditioning business, applying “Scotch guard” and other finishing requirements to fabrics as ordered by customers. This was interrupted by service in the Army Pacific Theater for three years. In 1941 he married his first wife, Bernice. Returning from the war he re-started his business, which prospered and grew to cover Maryland, D. C. and northern Virginia.

He became a volunteer driving instructor for the Maryland State Police, for which he received a citation from then Gov. Ritchie. He served as President of the Maryland Dry-Cleaners Guild, the Chestnut Ridge Country Club, served on the Board of Interior Service International and was one of seven small businessmen chosen to represent the service industry, meeting with President Nixon and Secretary of Commerce Maurice Stans. During this time he helped many people who had lost jobs, spouses, and/or children lift themselves from depression and become re-established in business through his counseling on financial and business matters.

Retiring in 1982, he moved to Huntington Lakes in 1984. He completed computer courses at Florida Technical Institute, F.A.U. and attended a variety of other special classes. He founded and has been the President of the Huntington Lakes Computer Club for the past twenty years. He takes pride in passing on his knowledge and experience to the ever-increasing members of the Huntington Lakes Computer Club, now numbering over one hundred. “It is the best way to offer help and exchange information,” says Jack. He was responsible for the development of an innovative computer program that facilitated the fair distribution of show tickets for the residents of his community sixteen years ago. Many communities in the area that have large populations and theaters have since adopted this program. He has served on his Condo Board, and started the community golf club, continuing to enjoy three rounds of golf each week.

His family of two daughters has grown to include five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. After the loss of his beloved Bernice in the mid 1970's, he married his present wife Doris in 1997.

Jack enjoys people that are innovative thinkers and hard workers. He loves to read mystery novels—when he has spare time.

“BRCS should continue with the SIGS conducted by volunteer experts. They are invaluable,” concludes Jack. “Boca Bits is informative and through the articles from contributing columnists continues to expand the knowledge base.”

JUNE 2004