Max Mutchnick

Max Mutchnick passed away March 11, 2015 with his loving and devoted wife of over 67 years, Frances Edelbaum Mutchnick, by his side. Mendy, as he was known to all of his friends and family, was born in Mobile, AL. February 27, 1925. He grew up over his parents' dry goods store on Government Street. He attended Murphy High School and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree. While at Auburn (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute) he served as a Lieutenant Col. in the United States Army ROTC. Mendy Mutchnick was a prominent, well respected businessman, engineer, philanthropist, Jewish community leader and above all a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of Mitzvot (doing what is right and just); lessons that hard work and diligence are paramount, and that integrity and the belief that one's good name is of great importance. He believed that giving to others should be done without expectation of reward or recognition. He was the consummate gentleman and Mensch (someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character); always putting others first. Mendy Mutchnick was the founder, President and CEO of Air Comfort Company, Inc. formed in 1953 by him and his wife, Frances. The company grew into a successful engineering and mechanical contracting company and became one of the biggest and most well-respected design/build companies in the southeast. Mendy was a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and was recently recognized by the Alabama Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors for his over 60 years of Service to the citizens of Alabama. He served on the board of trustees and as president, several times over the years, of the Mobile Mechanical Contractors Association. He was known in the professional and business community for his continuous professionalism, integrity and outstanding ethics in business. Mendy Mutchnick was a dedicated and very active member of the Jewish community, both locally, nationally and internationally. He was past president and active member of B'nai B'rith Beth Zur Lodge, a men's service organization serving our community and educating the public to stop bigotry and racism. He was a lifelong member of Ahavas Chesed Synagogue, where he was on the board of directors for many years and served as President two nonconsecutive terms. He was also a member, chair of several committees and leader of Congregation Sha'arari Shomayim (Springhill Avenue Temple), the oldest Jewish congregation in Alabama. He was an officer and an active member of the Mobile Jewish Federation, raising money for social services. He was instrumental in the early formation and continuous success of the Mobile Christian Jewish Dialogue. His support of Jewish and secular causes is unparalleled. He leaves behind many friends, business associates and a family who adored, loved and respected him. Besides his soul mate and love of his life; wife, Frances, he is survived by his four children; Helen (Stanley) Small, Sheldon (Phyllis) Mutchnick, Glen (Sherry) Mutchnick, and Murry Mutchnick. His six grandchildren were his pride and joy... They all aspire to be "just like Papa": Sam (Ada) Small, the late Ryan Small, Saul (Sonya) Mutchnick, Rosa Mutchnick, Celia (Aaron) Lerch, and Joshua (fiance, Emily) Mutchnick. His two great grandchildren already miss him: Dori and Ryan Sophie Small. He will also be missed by all of his nephews, nieces, his twin sister Frances Hartman of South Florida and sister Marsha (Harry) Asman of Birmingham. The Family would especially like to thank Dr. Kate Webster. Visitation will be at 2pm and the Funeral at 2:30 pm on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, Alabama. A Graveside Service will follow at the Springhill Avenue Temple Cemetery on Owen Street (adjacent to Virginia Street), Mobile Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Springhill Avenue Temple or Congregation Ahavas Chesed, or to the American Red Magen David for Israel (emergency medical services) or The Weizmann Institute of Science. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.