Sydele (Hausman) Homel, 92, passed away on Saturday , August 23, 2025, in her St. Augustine home. Sydele was born on January 2, 1933, to the late Louis & Evelyn (Saltpeter) Hausman in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, graduating class of 1950.
Sydele moved to Orlando in 1969 with her beloved husband, the late Paul Homel. Together they owned and operated Brian’s Restaurant for 45 years. More than just an owner, Sydele was the heart behind the restaurant- greeting guests with smiles, remembering names, and making everyone feel at home. It was common for strangers to stop her in public, remembering an encounter in which she had made them feel important and cared for. She formed lifelong friendships with patrons and staff alike, and her presence gave the restaurant its soul. Her legacy will continue to live on in the memories created there.
Sydele had a great passion for life and her kindness radiated to those around her. She had an affinity for laughter, cooking for others, and caring for animals. She approached life with whimsy, delighting in small pleasures- especially dessert and decor. She was known for her playful remarks, funny stories, and impromptu song lifting the spirits of those around her.
Above all, Sydele deeply loved her family with fierce and unwavering devotion. Her love was not quiet- it was steady and protective. Anyone who met her, soon learned about her pride and joy: her “wonderful,” sons and her “smart and beautiful,” grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To be loved by Sydele was to feel a constant source of strength, pride, and encouragement - a love that will remain in the hearts of those who she cherished.
Mrs. Homel is survived by her devoted sons, Brian (Macalei) Zipper of St. Augustine, Florida and Marc (Helena) Zipper of Lake Mary, Florida; Brothers, Gary (Judy) Hausman and Sandy Hausman; Grandchildren, Rachel (Brannon) Osuba, Kevin Zipper, Kari Zipper, Remy Zipper, and Evelyn Zipper; Great -Grandchildren, Brylee Durham, Grayson Durham and Addison Terrell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis & Evelyn Hausman; Husband, Paul Homel; Brother, Arnold Hausman; Sister-in-laws, Elaine and Rhonda Hausman; Grand Daughter, Kristina Durham all of blessed memory.
Sydele will be remembered for her warmth, wit, strength, and the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Homel will be 11:30 AM, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel (835 Lee Road, Orlando, FL) with Rabbi Yanky Majesky of Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando officiating. Interment will follow at Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, Florida. It is the family’s request that in honor of Sydele you spend the day laughing with your loved ones and singing to your pets. May she rest in peace and may her memory always be a blessing.
Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 835 Lee Road, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180
