Arthur H. Korn

KORN Arthur H. Korn, born and raised on the Upper East Side of New York City, January 18, 1910, passed away April 8, 2007. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Charlotte Clement Korn. Mr. Korn is survived by three daughters, Charlotte K. Roberts (Mrs. James C. Roberts), Lee Ann Wexler, and Suellen K. Gregory. He also leaves 11 grandchildren to cherish his memory. They are Jim Roberts and wife, Debby Krenek, Cha Roberts and husband, Ralph Kinsey, Tricia Humphreys and husband, Tom, Suellen Leftwich and husband, John, Beth Wexler, Cathy Bishop and husband, Michael, Mary Doyle and husband, John, Ernie Dettbarn, Lindsay Dettbarn, James Gregory, Charlotte Dettbarn; and ten great-grandchildren. While in his teens, Mr. Korn took a a job working in the warehouse and delivering furniture for Lee Brothers Furniture Company in New York City. From that position he worked his way up to manager of the company's retail stores. Mr. Korn remained employed by Lee Brothers until 1941, when he moved his family to Richmond, and assumed the duties of manager at the Philip Levy Furniture Company on Broad Street. Over the subsequent years, he greatly expanded the Philip Levy operation, which was controlled by the Baltimore-based Reliable Stores Corporation. In 1958, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Reliable Stores, a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange. Later as corporate executive vice president, he was instrumental in expanding the operation to over 400 stores nationwide. He was given, over his long career in the furniture industry, many accolades and awards. His stature was that of a legend. He formally retired from the company in 1984, but continued to serve as a consultant. Mr. and Mrs. Korn were one of the founding families of St. Bridget's Parish. After his retirement, and death of his wife, Mr. Korn set out in earnest to find a new career, one designed to brighten the lives of those in need. At about that time, the MCV Hospital Hospitality House was created, and in the process of opening, ready to house 28 guests. He used his furniture connections to help furnish the house. He was elected to the board of directors, and became one of its most dedicated supporters. To this day, Mr. Korn continues his annual practice of donating Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the more than 100 guests of the Hospitality House. Additionally, Mr. Korn delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered over 14,000 hours at St. Mary's Hospital. He was instrumental in founding the first Hospitality House at St. Mary's Hospital, which was dedicated to his wife, Charlotte Korn. A kind and generous man, Mr. Korn will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends, but they take comfort in the fact that he is with his Maker and with his wife, whom he so dearly loved. The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Mother Presentation Memorial Fund at St. Bridget School, 6011 York Road, Richmond, Va., 23226.