Abraham Marcus

Abraham Marcus’ superpower was that he could bring people together by getting them to believe that the community’s needs, whatever community that may be, superseded their individual differences. But he would tell you that one doesn’t need to be a superhero (although he was the obituary author’s superhero) to improve one's life or community. In terms of community, one must commit to bettering it, as he had in his life. He served as the chair or president of eight non-profit organizations since moving to South Bend in 1967 and a member of many, many more. When he died on October 27, he was the chair of the board of Saint Joseph Health System, president of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, and the treasurer of the South Bend Industrial Revolving Fund. Last decade, he was president of the Jewish Federation of St Joseph Valley and has been an active member of Sinai Synagogue.

Abe’s business acumen was unquestionable. Abe owned and operated local businesses in real estate, steel sales, employee leasing and labor negotiations. He would tell you the best way to help the economy is to create jobs - but he would also tell you that as an employee you need to work hard. Words meant little to Abe; action meant everything. He would be the first person to give you or connect you with a job, whether you had a felony conviction or were going through a tough time in your life. Abe didn’t judge as long as you were committed from that day forward to being honest and to improving your life.  If you wanted his mentorship, he was your mentor. Abe was always on his phone. But while most people play Wordle or Candy Crush, he was giving solicited advice, mostly for free (and checking sports scores). Sinai Synagogue’s Rabbi Friedland said, “I am the Rabbi for everyone's spiritual needs; Abe is the Rabbi for everything else.” In 2018 Abe was selected to be a member of the South Bend Community Hall of Fame, honoring those who have distinguished themselves and made South Bend a better place. His best friend, Dr. Mark Sandock, gave a memorable speech when he said that everyone knows that if you need anything, you just “ask Abe.”

Abe's diverse skill set was honed at Purdue University (BSIE '65, MSIA '66), a great distance from his parents', David and Birtha’s, chicken farm in Ellenville, NY where he lived with his surviving sisters, Jackie Weinstein and Betty Kinberg. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harris Marcus and sister Natalie Geller.  Abe received a scholarship to attend Purdue University where he met Sara, his beloved wife of 58 years. During the last few days of his life, Abe couldn’t say much, but his instructions were very clear: take care of your mother. His last complete sentence was to her: I love you. Their three children, are R-Jay (Robin), Eric (Caryn), and Sharna (Lior Chacham)  who are the parents to Abe and Sara's six cherished grandchildren: Talia, Adam, Ava, Lila, Maya and Benjamin.

Abe taught his children that they could learn anything, and if they needed help with something, he could teach them. While he won’t be here to teach them anymore, his lessons will live on as they pass them to their own children.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 30 at Sinai Synagogue. Burial will follow at Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery. The family will begin sitting Shiva on Sunday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sinai Synagogue.  In Abe's memory the family requests donations be made to Sinai Synagogue, No Shame On U, or
Saint Joseph Health Care System.

To view the recorded Funeral Service for Abraham Marcus, please click on link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxUeobdFoWw