Local News

Entrepreneur and philantropist, Alex Shulman, remembered

By , Special to JTNews

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Alex Shulman, who bought and sold many businesses during his career, has died at age 89.
Shulman was born in Seattle to Minnie and Abe Shulman on March 8, 1912. His parents had immigrated to the United States from Minsk via New York. He attended Madrona Elementary School and Garfield High School, and graduated with honors in accounting from the University of Washington in 1932.
He practiced accounting for a number of years before becoming an entrepreneur. He bought and sold many businesses during his career, beginning with Elliot’s Luncheonettes during World War II. In 1957, he purchased Alaska Distributors from Alfred Shyman. He served as its president until 1979 when he was succeeded by his son-in-law Richard Loeb. His grandson Stephen Loeb now holds that position.
Over the years, Shulman has helped many individuals with advice, investment opportunities and financial support. In the early 1990s, after learning that there were cousins remaining in Minsk, he brought them to Seattle. His first cousin, his cousin’s three children and two grandchildren are now enjoying life in the Puget Sound region.
He was a strong supporter of the Jewish community in the United States and Israel. He made three trips to Israel, once on a United Jewish Appeal Prime Ministers Mission with his daughter, Frankie Loeb. The Kline Galland Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and AIPAC were recipients of his generosity.
Shulman loved “work”—his vocation and avocation. Up until this past year, he could be found at the office six and often seven days a week.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Freda Shulman; his children Francine Loeb, Linda Chopra of San Francisco and Barry Shulman of Las Vegas; and five grandchildren, Stephen Loeb, Donald Loeb, Dina Alhadeff Long, Michael Shulman and Jeffrey Shulman. He derived much pleasure in his later years from his great-grandchildren, Katy and Becky Loeb, David and Adam Loeb and Allegra and Isaac Long.
The family suggests remembrances be sent to Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Kline Galland or the charity of one’s choice.