Obituary, Seymour S. Bilowit

Seymour S. Bilowit, loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on April 22, 2017 with his wife, Susanne, at his side. He was born May 22, 1919, to Charles and Anna (Tobias) Bilowit. He served under General Patton in World War II and was part of the Allied invasion at Normandy. After his discharge, he moved to Clinton Corners, New York, and became a chicken farmer until it was suggested he take an aptitude test. Turns out, he was most suited to be a watch maker. He married his first wife Ruth in 1947 and moved to Hermosa Beach. While working for Douglas Aircraft at night, he took $200 and opened a small repair shop called the Watch Hospital. In 1949, he opened his first store, Seymour’s Jewelers; in Hermosa Beach. An enduring success, it’s now owned and operated by his son, Scott. A second store, first located in Torrance and now in Palm Desert as Gail Jewelers, is run by his daughter, Gail. After the death of Ruth, Gail arranged a date with one of her best customers, Susanne Suitt. Seymour and Suzanne were married in 1987. For over 30 years, they were a devoted couple seldom leaving each other’s side, even sharing the same hospital room when they both fell ill.

He loved to read, sculpt, carve wax figures, and create things with his hands. He had a million stories of his travels all over the world, buying and selling gems, raising chickens, and his many cruises with Susanne. He was a proud Mason and a Shriner and built a Chabad, a learning center for children, in Lomita, California, dedicated to the memory of Ruth, Shortly after her death. Seymour is survived by his loving wife, Susanne; his children, Gail, Scott and Lori; their spouses, Barry, Gina and Brian; his grandchildren, Ruth and Brian Levy, Liz and Matt Koren, Hana and Sara Bilowit, Samantha and Tom Benitez, Kaitlyn and Jamie Cundiff; his great- grandchildren, Malina, Leila, Shayna, Hailey, and Emma; his sister, Beverly Negreann and her husband Saul; and many many friends. Seymour was interred at forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California on April 25, 2017.

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