Aaron Jaffe

Aaron Jaffe 1921 - 2014 CHARLOTTE - Surrounded by loving family, Aaron Jaffe, 92, a resident of The Cypress of Charlotte, died on May 26, 2014, at The Levine and DIckson Hospice House at Southminster. Aaron entered this world in the presence of family on a farm in Lancaster County, Penn., and later moved to Philadelphia. Aaron started the saxophone in sixth grade, quickly surpassing his teachers, and eventually studying with future jazz greats. He enthusiastically accepted recruitment to play woodwinds in the Navy in the Admiral's Band in Washington DC during WWII, eventually achieving the rank of Ensign. Through the Navy V-12 College Training Program, as an undergraduate, he attended UNC-CH, Harvard, Columbia University, and later obtained his MBA from New York University. He worked for Lever Brothers in New York and DWG Cigars in Detroit. Thanks to his impressive business acumen, Aaron was recruited to move to Charlotte by United Mills Corporation in 1958, rising to become President of Gilead Manufacturing. After moving to North Carolina, he urged his extended family to follow him south. The arrival of his parents, sisters and their families brought him great joy and fulfillment, because above all he was a family man. Whether it was coordinating big family beach trips; playing instruments with his daughters, nephews, sons-in-law, and grand children; or enjoying a good meal together, nothing pleased him more than seeing his family grow closer. He had the great pleasure of spending most of his life surrounded by his loved ones, and was instrumental in forging their deep bonds with one another. Just as he had been a devoted musician, he was a creative and motivating force as an executive in business for years. Upon retirement, he invested the same drive and passion to his hobbies of exercise, photography, and tennis, which he played competitively into his 87th year. Aaron loved people. Whether it was work associates, friends, grocery store clerks or medical staff, Aaron would flash his smile, ask questions and make a lasting friendship. Anywhere Aaron visited more than once, he made friends that knew his name and were excited to see him. Aaron is survived by wife of 65 years, Bea Jaffe, daughters Lynn Wagoner (Mark), Meryl Imbrey (Brian), grandchildren Tyler Imbrey (fianc e Amber Johnson)), Lauren Wagoner, Aviva Imbrey, Jordan Imbrey, sisters Norma Katzman (Marty), Shirley Moskowitz (Seymour) and nephews Craig Katzman (Cindy), Gary Katzman (Ronda), Bob Moskowitz (Margie) and Ken Moskowitz (Diana). Graveside services for Mr. Jaffe will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 10:30 AM at Forest Lawn East, Matthews. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Levine and Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, Charlotte, NC, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.heritagecares.com. Heritage Funeral Home Weddington Chapel entrusted.