Isadore Familian

Familian, Isadore
Died peacefully at home June 13, 2002. He distinguished his life by excelling as a successful entrepreneur, a significant community leader, a beloved family man, a humanitarian and a philanthropist Isadore was born in Chicago August 11 1911 and with his family settled in Los Angeles in 1913. He was born to Russian immigrant parents and his early years were overshadowed by the great depression. Working with his brother George he built Familian Pipe and Supply, PricePfister-Brass, and many other significant business enterprises. Isadore regarded his business success as the platform for his philanthropic activities, which dominated his activities for the last fifty years. As a philanthropist and social activist his gifts and leadership have supported a myriad of organizations. He is most closely identified with the City of Hope and the University of Judaism. He was the Lifetime Vice President of the City of Hope Board of Directors where he was honored on his 90th birthday in 2001 for sixty four years of active service. At that time The City of Hope named a street on their campus called " The Familian Way," as a tribute to his genius for philanthropic fundraising. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the City of Hope's Supreme Council and was a Founder of the Sportman's Club, The Diamond Circle, and The Inner Circle. The Children's Hospital and Bone Marrow Transplantation Hospital bear his name, as well as his late wife Sunny's, who predeceased him. The University of Judaism stands on the Sunny and Isadore Familian Campus where Isadore Familian has served on the Board of Directors, as well as the Executive Committee for over thirty years. He was Chairman of the Patron's Society. In 1965 he was awarded the "John Marshall Medal" for Distinguished Leadership by the Theological Seminary of America, and was awarded a " Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa" by the University of Judaism in 1979. He was a former director of the City National Bank, served on the Board of the Los Angeles Music Center Operating Company for 18 years, former General Chairman of Greater Los Angeles of the United Jewish Fund, past member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, served as President of Temple Adat Ari El. He was a Board Member of the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation Council, where he served for over 32 years. Ultimately, one of his greatest gifts to us was how gracefully he demonstrated that giving is its own reward. The legacy of giving has been a lifelong source of pride and inspiration for his family, to whom he was lovingly dedicated. He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley; daughter Sondra (Marvin) Smalley; son Gary (Theresa) Familian; step children Edie (Richard) Bronson, Richard Baskin, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the City of Hope, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90017, or to the University of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles 90077. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday June 17, 2002, at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 West Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles. Hillside Mortuary 800-576-1994.