Bennett M. Lifter

LIFTER, BENNETT M., 83, of Aventura, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on Sunday, September 27, 2009 following a brief illness. Born in Philadelphia in 1925, the son of Daniel and Helene Lifter, he and his family migrated to Miami Beach in 1936. Lifter graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Specialized Training Program. He was then transferred into the 86th Infantry "Blackhawk division" where he served in both the European and Pacific theaters of battle during the Second World War. He was awarded numerous commendations, including the bronze star for "Gallantry in Action" at the crossing of the Danube River. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and later transferred to the University of Miami, where he earned his JD in 1950. While he practiced law for a short time, Lifter found his true calling in Real Estate and Land Development. The son of a hotelier, he carried on his father's legacy with the construction and operation of the Marco Polo Hotel and Waikiki Motel, both in Sunny Isles. He was a pioneer in North Dade and responsible for the development over 2,000 units located at the Golden Glades Interchange. He was not only successful in his business endeavors, but in all aspects of life. He thought it important to contribute to society and penned several books, including "The sky's the Limit", and was responsible for the authoring of "Miami Beach Memories". He was active in local civic affairs, serving on the Miami-Dade County Advisory Board, the South Florida Builders' Association, and was a founder and director of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. He supported numerous organizations including the University of Miami and the United Way. He was a founder at Mt. Sinai Hospital and a contributor to several Jewish organizations including the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. He was a longstanding member of Temple Beth Shalom in Miami Beach. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends engaging in his favorite pastimes of snow skiing, boating and playing tennis. He was a stalwart family man and despite his professional achievements, took the greatest pride in his family and their accomplishments. The patriarch, he loved family get-togethers and assigned his wife and each of his children a special song from his famous list, which he would never fail to recount at every family occasion. He is survived by his devoted wife Bayla, son Aaron, daughters Nancy Wolin, Susan Zeitlin and Hilary Kates (Steven), grandchildren Samantha, Raquel, Leah, Jessica, Ben and Sam, and stepson Danny Bartell (Carla) of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his sister Adele Rubin, numerous cousins and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held Thursday, Oct. 1 at 12:30pm at Temple Beth Shalom (4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, FL). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jewish Federation of Greater Miami. Shiva following the graveside service at 19707 Turnberry Way , Aventura, FL. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.