Page 5 - The Jewish Voice - April '20

The Jewish Voice, Page 5
Community Leader,

Philanthropist David Blacher Passes Away at 96

Da vi d Bl a c he r, a ensure inclusive access to preschool, summer camp, classes, and steadfast dedication to children with special needs. He
passionate advocate, programs, birthday parties, and more for children and young gave so many local families the gift of renewed hope with
transformative philanthropist, adults with differing abilities. Widely known as one of the his generosity, time, and commitment to provide them the
and inspiring leader in the most expansive and high-quality special needs programs in access and resources they needed most.”
Palm Beaches, passed away Palm Beach County, the Blachers’ program also provides Professionally, after studying at MIT and serving
on February 22. He was 96 scholarships for children to learn, play, and grow at the JCC. the United States in World War II, David became an
years old. David strongly believed in ensuring early intervention and accomplished businessman. He joined his father’s modest
Together with Connie, his support for educators who work with children with special industrial roofing and sheet material business that, over many
wife of more than 70 years, needs. years, earned a sterling reputation with clients including
David’s generosity created “Without regard to faith, race, or background, children General Motors, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
a meaningful ripple effect, are now receiving life-changing assistance,” David said Harvard University. David soon initiated a second company
providing a far-reaching at the time he and Connie launched the program. “We can installing structural roof and floor systems designed for
impact on numerous vital causes throughout the Jewish think of nothing more meaningful than the benefit that our commercial, military, and institutional construction. To
community and beyond during their three decades in the support and those of others will provide these children.” follow, he started a third company distributing specialty
Palm Beaches. Together, they are among the most generous “David was more than an extraordinary philanthropist products to the construction industry. After retiring for just
philanthropists to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, — he was a dedicated volunteer who always showed six months, David returned to work to establish a real estate
Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches, and Temple Judea. up, who volunteered to read with children and provide development company building commercial properties
David was particularly dedicated to educating children companionship to frail seniors, and who led with his heart within industrial parks outside the greater Boston area.
and caring for the elderly. Perhaps the defining aspect of to create new opportunities for people with special needs,” Tenants included Office Depot, Tropicana, and Fedex.
David’s legacy is his work to create a welcoming community shared Michael Hoffman, president & CEO of Jewish David is survived by his wife, Connie, as well as his
for children with special needs and their families. The Federation of Palm Beach County. “Jewish Palm Beach son, Stephan, and daughter-in-law, Gaetane.
Blachers particularly focused on improving the lives of will always know David through the unforgettable legacy Donations in David’s memory can be made to the
children with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and other he leaves behind.” Constance & David Blacher Children’s Special Needs
disabilities. Jesse Rosen, president & CEO of the Mandel JCC of the Program at the Mandel JCC. To contribute, visit https://
In 2013, they established the Constance & David Palm Beaches, added, “David was an incredible man with pbg.jcconline.com/donate/special/ or call 561.712.5200.
Blacher Special Needs Program at the Mandel JCC to a lifetime of remarkable leadership, generous philanthropy,
Community Leader,

Philanthropist Cynnie List Passes Away at 84

Cynthia “Cynnie” List, a to her involvement with CJE, she was also deeply committed Debbie Shapiro, current chair of the CJE Advisory
powerful voice for education to Temple Israel. Council, added, “Cynnie answered the call any time the
and the advancement of the The List family was also an instrumental force to build Jewish community needed her. Her presence will be deeply
Jewish community, passed today’s vibrant Jewish community. Her husband, Robert missed, though the CJE will continue to build on her legacy
away on March 7. She was List (z”l), a founder of the Jewish Federation of Palm to ensure children and adults have the very best access to
84 years old. Beach County, served as president in 1967 and remained high-quality Jewish education for years to come.”
An Ohio native with an active leader in the organization. The family donated List is survived by son Martin (Karen) List, two
a long history serving the land in 1962 to create what is today’s Mandel JCC’s Camp daughters Diane “DeeDee” (Larry) Savage and Karen
Palm Beach County Jewish Shalom, before any other Jewish communal institution (Craig) Broderdorp; grandchildren Evan (Kate) and Braden
community, List was a was established, and donated the CJE suite at the Jewish (Jenna) List, Matthew and Kitty Savage, Jackson, Claire,
member of Federation’s Federation headquarters when CJE and Federation merged and Will Broderdorp; great-grandchildren Jacob, Charlie,
Board of Directors and the two years ago. and Kaia List; and all of her extended family.
first Women’s Philanthropy Board chair in the early 1960s, “Cynnie was an incredible community leader and shining Donations in Cynnie’s memory can be made to Temple
a role she served five times over three decades. She was example of what it means to live your life dedicated to Israel, 1901 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
also a strong advocate for quality Jewish education and making the future brighter for the next generation,” shared
served as the chair of the Lorraine & Jack N. Friedman Michael Hoffman, president & CEO of Jewish Federation
Commission for Jewish Education (CJE), a partner agency of Palm Beach County. “Our Jewish community is stronger
of Federation dedicated to the advancement of Jewish life today because of the passion, commitment, and generosity e e
through educational experiences and resources. In addition of Cynnie and her family.”

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