Howard Hirsch Fishman

Howard Hirsch Fishman, age 96, passed away on August 22, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in New York, New York, and made Cleveland, Ohio his home in 1953. Throughout his long and distinguished life, Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, community leader, and highly respected figure in the foodservice equipment industry.

Howard attended Forest Hills High School in New York and continued his education at the College of William & Mary before transferring to Ohio University. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

Howard was a longtime member of Temple Emanu El in Orange, Ohio. During the 1960s, Howard and his wife, Pearl, were actively involved in many of the local school levies and bond issues, demonstrating their deep commitment to the community and its schools.

Howard's professional career was marked by vision, innovation, and leadership. Ten years after acquiring S.S. Kemp Co., the company was named Dealer of the Year in 1988 by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine, an honor regarded as the "Oscar" of the food service equipment industry. Howard went on to serve as president of FEDA, the Food Equipment Dealers Association, from 1992 to 1994.

In 1996, Howard was inducted into the Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the industry. He was also a founder of IFED, the industry's first equipment buying group. The concept was innovative at the time, bringing competitors together to work cooperatively. Many doubted that such an organization could succeed, but Howard's vision helped create a model that ultimately changed the structure of the industry.

Howard and his sons, Mark and Steven, continued to grow S.S. Kemp Co. into one of the most respected foodservice equipment dealerships in the industry. Howard was proud of the company and, even more so, of the opportunity to work alongside his sons and build something lasting for future generations.

Howard was an avid fisherman, enjoyed his boating, orchestra music and concerts and since 1981 his trips to Chautauqua.

Howard's greatest legacy, however, was his family. He is survived by his children, Mark (Terri) Fishman, Cathy (Scott) Wallenstein, and Steven (Jennifer) Fishman; his siblings, Norma Siegal (Dec) and Joseph Fishman (Dec); his grandchildren, Gillian (Austin Hood), Jocelyn Patterson, Adam (Jill) Wallenstein, Michael (Kate) Wallenstein, Charlie Fishman, and Lillie Fishman; and his great-grandchildren, Casey, Penelope, Brooks, Mila, and Callie Wallenstein.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Road, Solon, OH 44139.

Friends who are unable to attend the service may view it beginning Friday August 28, after 12:00 noon by going to You Tube, and under search, enter Howard Fishman funeral service.

Shiva will be held immediately following the service at Beechmont Country Club until 4:00 p.m., and again from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Howard Fishman to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Mail checks to:

Breakthrough T1D

3369 Pine Ridge, Suite 202

Naples, FL 34109

Please note "In Memory of Howard Fishman" on the memo line.

A recording of the service will be available on Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz YouTube channel on Friday, August 28, 2026. Please type in the address bar ‘funeral service for Howard Fishman’.

Howard was truly one of a kind. He was as honest and kind as they come. He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his leadership and contributions to an industry he helped transform, his commitment to his community, and above all, his love and devotion to his family. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people whose lives he touched.