Robert Benjamin Factor

FACTOR Robert Benjamin Factor died quietly, at home on Saturday, November 17, 2007. The former owner and President of Universal Business Equipment is survived by his second wife Sally. He was most proud of his two daughters from his first marriage and their families, Susan Dorr of Camden Maine and her husband Greg and Ruth Stitt of Magnolia Texas and her husband Richard, and three grandchildren, Benjamin Dorr, Bethany and Aaron Stitt. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Luft of California and her children, their spouses and children. He is also survived by his childhood friend Leonard Albert who was a classmate from kindergarten through high school and remained a close friend throughout their lives. The son of Benjamin and Lina Factor and a proud third generation Bridgeporter, he was active in various fraternal and historical societies and town affairs in addition to being a volunteer at the Historical Collection of Bridgeport Library. He had a wealth of information about Bridgeport and loved exploring and revisiting interesting sites. Robert Factor attended Clark University in Worcester Mass. for 2 years then volunteered to serve in the Army in 1940. He served as a cryptographer with the Army Eighth Air Corps, 453rd Squadron in England. Following his service he returned to Clark and graduated with a degree in English literature. Upon graduation Bob returned to Bridgeport and worked alongside his father Benjamin at Universal Business Equipment, an office supply retail business that is still in existence today. Bob was highly regarded by his peers in the industry for his vast knowledge and in depth understanding of products and innovations and for his unquestionably ethical and honorable business practices. He retired promptly at age 63 and enjoyed travel with Sally around the United States, Mexico, Europe and Israel where they visited the Yad Vashem memorial and enshrined records of family members who perished in the Holocaust. Bob had a great love of language and all things British and Irish. He had a very precise mind and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every day, in ink much to the amazement of friends and family. He read several newspapers daily and eagerly engaged in discussion of current events and history. He also pursued a life long love of good food and took pride in introducing dining companions to the newest interesting restaurant. His wit and sense of humor persisted right up to the end of his life and will be remembered with joy by all. Robert Factor was devoted to his industry, his community and to social justice and his engagement with the community reflected that devotion. He served as a past president of the National Office Products of America, Connecticut Valley Chapter; Past president of Abraham Lodge Chapter of B'nai B'rith; Past Chair of the Council of Presidents, President of Bridgeport Jewish Historical Society, Member of the federal reorganization of Ace Stapler Company, member of the Easton Conservation Committee, the executive Board of ABCD (Action for Bridgeport Community Development), Board of Inst. for Retired Professionals at Fairfield University, Bassick Class Reunion Committee, a founder of the Community Closet at Woodbridge and an original member of the Jonas Clark Fellows at Clark University.A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. A reception will follow immediately. The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home of Fairfield is in care of the arrangements. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bridgeport Area Foundation 211 State Street 3rd Fl. Bridgeport, CT 06604.