Victor J. Baxt died October 7, 2012 at his home in Providence at the age of 95. Born on January 16,1917, he was the son of the late Etta and Herman Baxt. He was predeceased by his sister Frieda Hohenemzer Nemzoff. He lived his entire life as a resident of Providence with homes in Newport, RI and Palm Beach, FL. A graduate of Hope High School, Victor attended the University of RI, receiving a BS degree in Chemistry in 1938 and an MS degree from Duke University in 1940. Soon after WWII, newly discharged from the US Navy, Victor was approached by his good friend Norman Fain to join him and head the newly acquired Thompson Chemical Company, later to become Teknor Apex Co. in Pawtucket, RI. Victor spent the next 65 years in various positions in the company including President, Vice Chairman of the board and then Chairman from 2003 until his death. In 1971, Victor was first tapped to serve on the board of trustees at the Miriam Hospital. He served as a trustee on both the foundation and hospital boards. He also served on the Chairman Committee, Investment Committee, Corporation Reorganization Committee and Medical Matters Committee. He was honored as the Miriam Hospital's Person of the year in 2006. Victor had always been an ardent supporter of the University of RI. He was a trusted advisor and a critical advocate for the university and its promise to help improve the quality of life here in RI and across the nation. He established an endowed scholarship to support undergraduate students in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, created the Victor Baxt Chair in Polymer Engineering and supported construction of URI's Norman M. Fain Hillel Center. He also publicly promoted successful passage of the 2010 RI bond referendum to build URI's new Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences. For his lifelong commitment to making a difference in the community and for his outstanding business leadership and philanthropy, the University of RI awarded Victor a Doctorate of Science in May, 2011 Victor was also an active member of the Jewish community in Providence and has served on the boards of the Jewish Federation, Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Home for the Aged, the Jewish Seniors Agency, the Tamarisk Home and others. Victor is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gussie (Weinberg, Chusmir) Baxt; son Robert Chusmir and his wife Judy; son Michael Chusmir and his wife Deborah; three granddaughters, Jodi King, Tracie Curran and Kimberly Chusmir; five great grandchildren, Cheyenne, Danny, Rachel, Matthew and Charles; and many loving nieces and nephews. Victor was previously married to the late Edna (Gilman) Baxt. His funeral will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, October 10th at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI. Burial will be at the Temple Beth-EI Cemetery, 401 Reservoire Ave, Providence, followed by a reception at Laurelmead, 355 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 10th from 7-9PM and Thursday, October 11th from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Victor's late residence at Laurelmead. A contribution in memory of Victor Baxt to a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.5