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Bexley High School Ohio State University

FUNERAL HOME

Epstein Memorial Chapel - Columbus

3232 E Main Street

Columbus, Ohio

Gordon Schiffman Obituary

Schiffman Gordon Schiffman died somewhat unexpectedly on October 29, 2015. Born November 22, 1929, Gordon lived in many cities as a child, and boasted of having attended twelve schools in twelve years. He ended up graduating from Bexley High School. He then attended Ohio State University, where he met Felice Prosk, the woman who would become the greatest love of his life. After a stint in the Army, where he taught English to officer's candidates at Fort Bliss, he returned to Columbus and married Felice. Gordon was a man of profound passion. He was a devoted husband, father, friend and entrepreneur. His love for Felice and his two sons, Bill and Andy, had no boundaries. His Countless friends knew him as a man of honor, trustworthiness, and integrity. Aside from family and friends, he was most involved as a business owner for over fifty years. As President of White's Furniture, a company started by his father, Gordon became recognized as one of the most creative and successful leaders in the industry. He opened the first Drexel and Thomasville stores in the country, and was a pioneer in the separation of sleep products from home furnishings offerings. The design and layouts of his stores were ground-breaking, and influenced many retailers around the United States. He was President of the National Home Furnishings Association. He also served in many other leadership positions within the industry. Gordon was a mentor to his employees, several of whom became quite successful in other endeavors. Gordon had many other passions as well. He was heavily involved within the Columbus charitable community, and served on many boards. He also had an undying love for anything related to Ohio State Football. A season ticket holder for over six decades, he attended almost every home game until health issues limited his ability to do so. Gordon's infectious personality never met a stranger. Even if he forgot someone's name, he extended a warm welcome. His charismatic personality, smile, and sense of humor infused many a room. Gordon had a great ability to have a positive effect on those around him, and will be missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his wife Felice, his parents Harold and Mickey, and his sister Barbara. Gordon is survived by his sons, Bill (Lynne Aronson) and Andy; as well as his niece, Kathy Stone. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 2 at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 5419 E. Broad St., Burial thereafter will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad St., where Gordon and Felice will finally be re-united. In lieu of traditional Shiva, a celebration of Gordon's life will be held at New Albany Country Club on Tuesday, November 3 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation in Gordon's honor to the charity of your choice. Online guestbook at www.epsteinmemorial.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Schiffman

31 Entries

Glenn Brown

December 11, 2020

God Speed Mr. Schiffman. Thank you for the oppurtunity to better myself.

Glenn Brown

December 11, 2020

I remember Gordon, Felice and Andy well. Good people that let me advance further than I probably should have at the time. I wish Andy and Billy all the best, and thank you for all the oprutinities your family gave me.

Barry Nehls

September 16, 2016

Bill and Andy, I was thinking about my days at Capital University, and the time I spent in your home in Bexeley. I thought about Gordon and Felice, and was saddened to see that they have both passed. Don't know if you guys remember me or not; your parents were very generous to me as I worked through college. Best regards. Barry Nehls.

John Broderick

November 11, 2015

Enjoyed my friendship with Gordon throughout the years. He was a class act. Never forget the time he brought his Chrysler Woody convertible in Byers service department for service on a Saturday for service on Monday, he left the keys in the ignition.Two young kids came in saw the keys in the ignition, took the car and went joy riding until they ran out of gas. There goes one of a kind. Amen.....

Bruce Newman

November 9, 2015

Andy and Billy,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Having worked next to him he had a great influence in my life and career. He will be missed and remembered by many whom lives he had touched.

Cathi Jones, ASID

November 5, 2015

Gordon was blessed with wonderful taste and a knowing eye; he was also the consummate gentleman, always dapper, polite and self deprecating. I enjoyed knowing him professionaly. May he rest in peace.

Pete and LeAnn Engles

November 4, 2015

Hi Bill, We are so sorry about the loss of your father. Wish we could be there for you at this time. Gordon will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have journeyed through life with him. He was a great man. Love, Pete and LeAnn

November 4, 2015

Gordy was one of my favorite friends. We shared many great times together both on and off the golf course. I will surely miss him and I am glad I spent some time with him last summer. Take care and focus on a lifetime of good works and fond memories . Ben Zox

November 4, 2015

Billy and Andy, we are saddened to hear about Mr G's passing. He was such a wonderful businessman and teacher. Amy, Emma, and I fondly recall our time at White's and our time with the Schiffman family.

Regards,
David and Amy Lively

November 4, 2015

Bill, I only met him once,but he certainly left me with a wonderful impression. You were a lucky son! Thinking of you, Nikki Hess

Joe Wolfe

November 3, 2015

Billy, Sorry for you loss, Gorden was a good man, gave me a job selling furniture when I really needed it.
Joe and Martha Wolfe

Barbi Tuckerman

November 3, 2015

Billy and Andy,

I am so sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. He was such a wonderful man and a close friend to many of us kids. He kept us on our toes while he kept us laughing with his sense of humor. With that twinkle in his eye he reminded me of my Dad. I just loved him.

November 3, 2015

Billy and Andy,

I am so sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. What an incredible man he was! Always a friend to all us kids and a fabulous father to you both. He will be missed for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to you, Barbi Tuckerman

November 2, 2015

Your Dad (&Mom) would have been very pleased & proud of how eloquently all of you spoke of them today at the funeral. I was fortunate to have worked for him for many wonderful years at Whites. Mr. Gordon always asked about my family, even sending the kids congratulations on various milestones. Your family & the Cols community have lost a "great one" but Felice & the angels have benefited. With prayers, Mike/Jan Rond

November 2, 2015

Bill and Andy,
Your dad, always the gentleman--then, now, and beyond.
My deepest sympathies.

Stan Katz

Dan Yee

November 2, 2015

Bill and Andy;

We are sorry to hear of your loss. We will always remember Gordon's smile and the twinkle in his eye. He and your mom will surely be missed but always remembered for their kindness. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Dan, Karen, Aly and Chris

November 2, 2015

Bill and Andy,

I sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Mara Barrett

David Lewis

November 1, 2015

I am just a local person who has known the Schiffmans(sort of from afar) over the years. When I a young boy(I am now 65), I mowed their yard when they lived in central Eastmoor. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Schiffman were a unique couple(all good) and I recall how enthusiastic they were about life and people. In the past few years it was my pleasure to "run" into Andy at his place of employment(realtor) and I remember sharing my recollections of my connection to his family many, many years ago. Andy impressed me the same way his parents had--very memorable.

Wendy Goldman

November 1, 2015

Bill and Andy,

I'm sad to hear about the loss of your dad. I have great memories of Gordon. Sending love to you and your family.

Wendy Goldman

Sheri Hooley

November 1, 2015

We loved going out for dinner with "Grandpa Schiffman". Katie, Rachel and Lexee loved his hugs and kisses and will greatly miss their special times together. :( Miss you already Gordon! The Hooleys

November 1, 2015

Dear Bill and Andy,
This is such sad news. Please know how much your dad meant to me. He was a wonderful friend and business partner, and I remain deeply grateful for his exceptional support and guidance.
Be very proud of your father.
Fred Starr

Paul Parkinson

November 1, 2015

The world is little smaller, my deepest sympathy to Bill and Andy
Paul Parkinson

November 1, 2015

Gordon will be greatly missed.
Dennis and Ann Wilkinson

Martie Schoener

November 1, 2015

Andy,
Mike and I send you our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. We have great memories of both your parents, but especially of Gordon's funny stories! He will be missed.
Love,
Martie and Mike Schoener

jim kittle

October 31, 2015

Gordon was a great friend and mentor. Between my Dad,also a great friend of Gordon,s and my age he served as a bridge and advisor.our time together in NHFA will always be remember. The city of Columbus and our industry has lost a great individual. Thanks Gordon!

Jim Kittle

October 31, 2015

Andy, my sincere condolences. Gordon has been a very important part of your life and I know the vacancies his passing will create. My thoughts are with you.

Barbara Robins

October 31, 2015

Dear Billy and Andy,
My deepest sympathies to you and yours for the passing of your dad. There are no words to adequately express the depth of his warmth and kindness. He had the ability to embrace everyone who had the pleasure of being in his company. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

October 30, 2015

Dear bill and Andy, I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I started calling on him in 1968. He always treated me with greatest respect, and was fortunate enough to visit with him and your mother at the house on n. Parkview. Again my deepest condolences. JOE cohn

Again my

Mack and Jean Mankamyer

October 30, 2015

It is impossible to measure the impact Gordon Schiffman had on the lives of so many people. As for us, he gave us a start in life. He and Felice were so kind and generous to us when we were first married; we will always be grateful to them. Like all great teachers we are fortunate to meet in life, Gordon had a way of inspiring people to live up to his standards. The fact that you might fall short didn't matter. The important part was that you tried, reached, stretched and learned. He was a true mentor. I'm certain the wish of all those who began their careers at White's was when I grow up, I want to be just like Gordon. Our deepest sympathies to Billy, Andy, the entire Schiffman family and friends. As the Gaelic blessing goes, may he rest gently'.

Dane and Kelley Schubert

October 30, 2015

Andy and Bill,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. We were blessed to have Gordon as a neighbor and a friend for so many years. His smile, charm and courage will be greatly missed.

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