Morrie Yohai, the creator of the Cheez Doodle, and an accomplished photographer, poet, professor and businessman died last week in Kings Point, N.Y. losing his battle to cancer. He was 90 years old.

Yohai was born in Harlem in 1920. After studying business in college, he went on to work for an aircraft company until World War II began, when he decided to enlist in the Navy and undergo flight training.

Yohai eventually ended up in the US Marines and served as a pilot in the South Pacific.

In 1949, Yohai took over his father's snack-food factory, and after selling the company, remained on as vice president in charge of snacks, making the day to day decisions on products like Cracker Jack and of course, the cheez doodle.

Later in life, Yohai became part of the faculty at the New York Institute of Technology. His family tells of how a deep love of Judaism and mysticism developed, unfolding along with his passion for writing. Late in life, Yohai penned more than 500 poems.

Yohai was a well-respected philanthropist who was actively involved in his synagogue in Great Neck, as well as one of the founders of the annual New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival.

The Jewish community has lost a great man who will be remembered through his many accomplishments and contributions.