Steven Salomon Elbaum

Steven Salomon Elbaum, a beloved patriarch, mentor, and businessman, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Germany in 1948 in a displaced persons camp after World War II to Holocaust survivors, Sala and Izak Elbaum, Steven immigrated to the United States with his parents at the age of one, settling in Brooklyn, New York and embarking on a journey that would embody the very essence of the American Dream.

Steven was a “mensch” of the highest order, shaped by the values of integrity, hard work, and philanthropy. After graduating James Madison High School, he attended City College New York and then Brooklyn Law School, where he not only earned his degree with high honors and served on Law Review, but also worked as a taxi driver to support himself through school. His tenacity and business acumen led him to become a partner at his law firm after only four years of practice and then a highly successful entrepreneur, serving as Chairman and CEO of The Alpine Group over three decades. Throughout his career, Steven never lost sight of the importance of family, community, and giving back.

Alongside his wife, sister, and brother-in-law, Steven co-founded the Elbaum Family Clubhouse, an initiative through the Madison Square Boys and Girls Clubs, aimed at providing support for youth in Brownsville, Brooklyn—his childhood neighborhood. The Elbaum Family Clubhouse is a testament to Steven’s commitment to helping others and ensuring that the next generation had opportunities to succeed.

Known for his warm heart and sharp mind, Steven was the ultimate mentor and advisor. He had an unparalleled ability to inspire those around him, always offering guidance and pushing everyone to be their best. Whether it was in his personal or professional life, Steven was the glue that held his family together, always caring for and lifting up those around him.

A true lover of life, Steven found joy in simple pleasures, like taking his loyal barbet, Chloe, on walks to Trotter’s Track, where he enjoyed meeting and befriending fellow dog owners. His love and pursuit of art and antiques gave him great joy and enriched his life. As a true New Yorker, he was never one to turn down a proper hot dog, piled high with sauerkraut and mustard.

Steven’s commitment to Jewish values, Holocaust remembrance initiatives, the State of Israel and the United States, along with his unwavering integrity guided every aspect of his life. He dedicated himself to causes that aligned with his principles, leaving a legacy of philanthropy, mentorship, and kindness that will continue to resonate for generations.

Predeceased by his beloved parents, Steven is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Judy, his sister Trudy (and brother-in-law, Bob), his brother Danny (and sister-in-law, Mary), his son Lawrence (and daughter-in-law, Melissa) his daughter Sally (and son-in-law, Mark), his grandchildren Abigail, Isaac, Remy, and Freddy. He leaves behind an indelible mark on all who knew him—an extraordinary man whose love, wisdom, and compassion will be remembered and cherished forever.

The family will be receiving guests for Steven on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

The Elbaum Family Clubhouse of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club

https://www.madisonsquare.org/our-clubhouses

The Sala Institute at NYU Langone, named in memory of Steve’s mother, Sala

https://give.nyulangone.org/sala-institute/

Shlomit - a community in Israel built by Jewish National Fund, which was near and dear to Steve’s heart

https://shop.jnf.org/products/seasonal-delights-volume-ii

May his memory be a blessing.