Eugene Phinick

EUGENE "Gene" IRVING PHINICK, was born with the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day in 1925 and passed peacefully at the Cleveland Clinic with his loving wife and family members at his side this Yom Kippur, the holiest of Jewish holidays. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Estelle; devoted children Mark (Meg) Phinick of Chicago,, IL, Robin (Phil) Somers of Chicago, IL, Brad (Janet) Phinick of San Jose, CA, Jeff Sussel, Shelly (Dean) Goss of Denver, CO, and Ray (Colleen) Sussel; adored grandfather of Rosy, Katy, Lauren, Billy, Jasmine, Leeland, Adam, Austin, Ben, Zack, Jeremy and Cory; dearest brother of Alvin (Eileen) Phinick. Services will be held Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1985 SOUTH TAYLOR RD., CLEVELAND HTS. Interment Bet Olam Cemetery (Taylor Road Synagogue section). The family will receive friends following services at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Lyndhurst, UNTIL 7 P.M. Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. AT THE RESIDENCE 37285 WEXFORD DR., SOLON (Signature of Solon 2, Petttibone Rd. Entrance). In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to The Gathering Place, 23300 Commerce Park, Beachwood, OH 44122. During WWII, Phinick soldiered in the 5th Armored Infantry Battalion and bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Phinick was the recipient of two Purple Heart medals, the Victory medal, three bronze stars, various citations for military bravery and the French Legion of Honor medal – France's highest military distinction. A Cleveland business icon, Phinick began his fifty-seven year career in the furniture business at Colonial Furniture, which led to a position with Kronheims Furniture, where Phinick ultimately retired as Vice Chairman of the Board. Phinick loved traveling with his wife of 38 years, Estelle. They visited Europe, the Caribbean, Japan, China and Alaska, among other places. Phinick visited Israel twice, where his generosity facilitated the planting of numerous gardens of trees, which signify long-lasting life in the Jewish tradition. Phinick was a member of Taylor Road Synagogue, the Deak Lodge, Signature of Solon Country Club and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a fundraiser for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.