Carl Reisman

Carl Reisman was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Joseph N. and Elsie (Kleiner) Reisman who raised Carl to respect all people regardless of background, ethnicity or gender. He graduated from Georgia School of Technology (now Georgia Tech) with a BS in Industrial Management, while he also had completed four years in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Program. He received a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve upon graduation. In July 1941 Carl was ordered to active sea duty to serve on the cruiser USS Quincy, already engaged in the Atlantic Ocean.

Carl served in the Navy for 52 months, including 48 months at sea. He had the rare distinction of commissioning (being on the first crew) three new fighting ships, as our country built up its Naval strength. These included the USS Columbia (light cruiser), the USS Iowa and the USS Missouri (both battleship class). He rose to Lieutenant Commander as a gunnery officer and was honored for his recommendation to add two 20 mm machine guns to each battleship bow. Adding guns 90 feet forward enhanced defense of enemy aircraft seeking access over the bow to attack the tower.

Carl was on board the USS Iowa with President Roosevelt and staff traveling to meet with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Later, at 25 years old, Carl was ordered by Admiral Halsey to pick up the Japanese surrender party and escort them aboard the USS Missouri for the Surrender Ceremony that ended World War II. Carl attended the surrender ceremony. He earned many service ribbons and medals in service. In 2000, Carl was selected to represent all officers who served on battleships in World War II, and in Washington D.C. he received the Surface Navy Association Historical Remembrance Award on their behalf.

After the war, Carl returned to Atlanta to join his father’s medical supply business Surgical Selling Company. After selling the company, he remained in the industry, including co-founding and as president of Tri-anim Health Services until retiring in 1986.

Nothing was more important to Carl than his family. Although twice widowed, he was blessed with two beloved marriages. He was married to Betty (Scholer) for 41 years and to Claire (Wertheim Gross) for 29 years and who predeceased Carl by just eight weeks. Carl was also predeceased by his brother Ralph David Reisman. He is survived by his children Aileen Ann Reisman, Richard Carl Reisman (Cathie), grandchildren Diana, Michelle and Brian Reisman (Emily), and Jeff Gross (stepson).

Carl mentored many younger individuals within a broad social circle and his fellow Tri-anim employees are like family to him. In addition to Atlanta, Carl lived in Scarsdale, NY, Las Vegas, NV and Encino, CA. His family and friends lovingly remember Carl as a true and honorable southern gentleman, a wise and supportive father and a true friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to benefit National Wounded Warrior Center. http://www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org/.