Burton I Saltzman

Burton I. “Burt” Saltzman, – beloved patriarch of the Saltzman family and driving force behind Cleveland’s hometown grocery chain Dave’s Markets – passed away on January 13, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Burt was born in Cleveland in 1937; the first child of Polish-Jewish immigrant parents who helped build what would become a local institution. His grandfather, Alex Saltzman, began by selling produce from a horse-drawn wagon; in the early 1930s, Alex opened a small corner fruit and vegetable store at East 33rd and Payne Avenue, eventually naming it after his son, Dave. Burt grew up working alongside his father and grandfather, absorbing not just the business of retail but a deeply held commitment to neighborhood and community.

He graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in accounting, where he was active in Beta Alpha Psi, and joined the U.S. Army’s Quartermaster Corps before returning to Cleveland to join the family business. Under his leadership, Dave’s Markets grew from a single neighborhood store to a regional chain.

Burt proudly ran the company for approximately 30 years, before transitioning it to his two sons. Though he bore the title of CEO (and later chairman) of the now 16 store chain, Burt was never one to remain behind the scenes. For decades, he was often found at the checkout line, bagging groceries, fixing displays, or carrying out customers’ purchases, firmly believing that leadership meant being present where the action was.

Burt’s life was defined not merely by his business acumen but by his devotion to giving back. He was known throughout Cleveland for his generosity — contributing to Catholic Charities, Frontline Services, the Salvation Army, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and many other causes, regardless of creed or affiliation. He viewed his success as a moral responsibility: in his own words, when things are going well, “it is your obligation to make a contribution to someone in need … when the Lord rewards you, you reward someone else.”

He supported health and education in his community. Under his leadership, Dave’s invested in neighborhoods historically underserved by grocery infrastructure. At the Dave’s Market & Eatery on East 61st Street, the company established a teaching kitchen offering free community classes in healthy cooking in partnership with University Hospitals. Recognizing a transportation barrier to fresh food access, the chain also operated a free shuttle service for shoppers in lower-income areas.

His civic leadership was recognized by Global Cleveland, which honored him with the Albert B. & Audrey G. Ratner Community Leader Award in 2019 for his work to strengthen the region’s economic and social fabric. He received the Others Award from the Salvation Army in 2006, noted in the Congressional Record in 2007, the Generation Award from the Jewish News in 2021. Burt received numerous accolades over the years. In addition to the Global Cleveland award, he was honored by local nonprofits, business groups, and neighborhood organizations for his integrity, generosity, and business leadership. A long-time supporter of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and senior-living institutions, his philanthropy crossed religious and cultural lines. Although he was modest about such recognitions, his office was decorated with plaques, awards, and proclamations from the city and civic organizations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, whom he met in high school; his two sons, Dan (Sandy) Saltzman and Steve (Chris) Saltzman, both of whom played central roles in the business; his beloved daughters Trudy Stearns and Stacey (Bill) Grossman, his two devoted sisters Helene Krasney (Gary), Deenie (Mayer) Wainstein; his most cherished grandchildren, David (Dana) Saltzman, Amy (Brian) Barasch, Aaron (Bobbi) Saltzman, Julia Saltzman, Lexi (Matt) Saltzman, Eden (Ben) Nickerson, Ashley (Gregg) Heidrick, Zac (Michaela) Stearns, Jared Stearns, Jessica (John) Hardesty, Abby (Ian) Jinks and Rebecca Grossman; and his pride and joy: his great grandchildren Rosie, Henry, Leo, Jordan, Egan, June, Jack, Joseph, Luke, Sylvie and Solomon.

Burt’s approach to business — valuing people over profit, investing in neighborhoods, and leading with humility — shaped Dave’s into more than a supermarket chain: it is a community institution. His legacy continues in the aisles named for Cleveland streets, in the Mercado locations that serve Hispanic communities, and in the familiar face of a grocer who knew his neighbors by name.

He will be remembered not only as a successful businessman but as a compassionate civic leader and generous neighbor. His life bridged eras — from his grandfather’s wagon to modern, community-centered grocery innovation — all while staying true to the principle that business success is deeply connected to community stewardship. His family, employees, and friends across the city of Cleveland mourn his passing, and celebrate a life well lived. Donations in Burt’s honor and in lieu of flowers can be made to the Cleveland Food Bank and Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

The Funeral will take place at Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, on Thursday, January 15th at 2:00pm. Interment will be private.

Shiva will be observed by the family at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, on Thursday from 5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday, from 12:00pm-5:00pm, and Saturday from 6:00pm-10:00pm.

If you wish to honor Burt, donations may be made to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org) or the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (https://www.jewishcleveland.org/).

Other than as mentioned above, the family and company appreciate the community honoring their privacy during this time.

Arrangements were made under the supervision of Berkowitz Kumin Booaktz Memorial Chapel.