Mark Schulman, philanthropist and entrepreneur, died July 20 at the age of 97.
He was born in Minsk, Russia, and came to the United States in 1914. He prospered in the Los Angeles supermarket industry and in 1945, he began the Clark Market chain, which grew to 15 stores before it was sold to Food Giant. He also joined his brother, Irwin, an early pioneer of Palm Springs, in building the Palm Springs Riviera Hotel. He later served as director of the board of City National Bank from 1975-1991.
Above all, Schulman wanted to give something of himself back to the community that was so good to him. As a result, The Mark and Esther Schulman Foundation is responsible for many humanitarian works throughout Los Angeles. The Jewish Home for the Aging has two Schulman buildings: a medical center and a social hall. In 1999, the foundation endowed a chair to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the discipline of organ transplants and provided funding for an obstetric wing of the hospital.
Because of his dedication to children’s causes, he and his wife have endowed Vista Del Mar Children’s Home with an arts and crafts building, and they also dedicated the lobby of the Zimmer Children’s Museum.
For over 45 years, the family has belonged to Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, where the social hall bears their name and where they helped provide earphones for congregants with hearing problems.
Although Los Angeles was always Schulman’s first priority, he was deeply connected to the State of Israel, the home of his wife’s parents, and built a sports center there to honor them.
In addition to his philanthropic involvements, he was active in City of Hope; a long-time member of the Friars Club, where he headed up their charity foundation for several years; and served as the president of the Sportsmen Club.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Esther; daughter, Roberta (Marvin) Holland; son, Richard (Marcia); six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, 7150 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA 91335. — Roberta Holland
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.