Merle Supowitz

Merle Supowitz long-time resident of Tucson, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2014 at Tucson Medical Center with his family at his side. He was 80 years old. Merle was the founder of Merle's Automotive, which he sold later in his life. He was a Navy veteran and was active in Tucson's 162nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard for Family Readiness, a military organization that ensured that families of deployed soldiers were taken care of. He was a Shriner helping to raise funds for childhood burn victims, he was affiliated with the Special Olympics, the Boys and Girls Club, Civitan, the Boy Scouts, the YMCA Triangle Y Camp and a variety of other community organizations. He was a great fund raiser for many charities. He took great pride in being the co-founder of the 88-Crime Program. He also was very involved in the Jewish community (both locally and in Israel) and was known for his generosity and love for organizations that helped people. He is survived by his daughters, Sondra Koven (Edward), Shelley Supowitz Mendelson (Alan) and his son, Stuart Supowitz (Darla) and his grandchildren, Marisa Nikole and Adam Ike Koven; his brother, Harvey Supowitz (Katherine) of Johnstown, PA and their children, Beth Ann Gumerove (Barry) and Lee Supowitz. He is also survived by a huge loving family that will miss him terribly. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Handmaker Cooperman and his father, Ike Supowitz and his first love, Myrna Rofey. He was born December 10, 1933 in Stubenville, Ohio. He moved to Johnstown as a child and graduated from Southmont High School. After graduating he joined the Navy at 17 years of age. After the Navy he relocated to Tucson and set up a successful business and became an active community leader. Merle was known and loved for his ability to treat and love people fairly, generously and had a kind word for everyone. Chapel Service: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2014 at EVERGREEN MORTUARY CHAPEL, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile. Interment to follow in the Congregation Anshei Israel Section of Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to either Congregation Anshei Israel, The Tucson Hebrew Academy or the 162nd Fighter Wing Family Readiness Program. www.evergreenmortuary-cemetery.com