TAMPA, Fla. — The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) mourns the passing of J. “Morry” Friedlander and Lester Cohen, two members who contributed greatly to the association and to the industry, TCATA writes.
“TCATA only recently learned of the passing of J. Morry Friedlander on June 13, 2016, in Hamilton, Ohio,” the association indicates.
“It would be fair to say that Morry was a legend in TCATA, having been very active in the association for many years, going back to the late 1950s,” it continues.
“He served on numerous committees, on the board of directors, and was active in the formation of the ‘Young Timers’ dinner party and the Silver Circle luncheons, both events at the annual conference. He served as president of the association from 1965-66.”
Over the course of more than 40 years, TCATA relates, Morry’s involvement and contributions to both TCATA and to the drycleaning industry were so significant that the association’s board of directors established the J. Morry Friedlander Award in 1994.
The award recognizes those individuals who have shown outstanding dedication and service to the association. “Morry was the first recipient, and only five members have since received this award,” it says.
Friedlander’s career spans many years, previously working for Emery Industries and for the Davies-Young company, among others.
He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was active in his community, having served on the boards of Ft. Hamilton Hospital and Beth Israel Synagogue, where he served as treasurer for over 40 years. He was also one of the founders of the Hamilton Little Pro Football, and often played Santa Claus for kids in town.
Lois, his wife of 66 years, passed away in March 2017, but he is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Contributions can be made to the charity of choice.
Lester Cohen, 80, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Dec. 27, 2017. He ran Cleaners Sales and Equipment Corporation in Brooklyn, N.Y., for 42 years, a family business he joined upon returning from college, TCATA notes.
“Lester made huge contributions to TCATA for many years. He and his wife Jo-Ann were a fixture at annual conventions since the early 1970s,” the association relates.
“Lester served on many committees and on the board of directors for several terms, including as treasurer for over a decade. He also served for many years on the site selection committee, making recommendations for future conference locations, and often recruited companies for membership in TCATA.
“In recognition of his enormous contributions to TCATA, he was awarded the J. Morry Friedlander Award, the association’s highest honor.”
Cohen graduated from The Ohio State University and he was a proud Buckeye throughout his life, TCATA continues.
“He loved maintaining his house and pool and was fortunate to remain at home throughout his illness. Lester had many hobbies and interests throughout his life including travel and cruising, golf, sailing and spending time in Florida.”
He is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann Cohen, his son Jeff Cohen and his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Amy Cohen and grandson, Noah Cohen.
The family encourages donations in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
TCATA says it has, “contributed to its college scholarship fund in memory of both Morry and Lester.”
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