Ida and Isidor Straus's Descendants

[Eric S. Silvia]

I came across this while searching the New York Times. A little FYI for those that didn't know...It appeared in the August 20, 2000 edition

SCHEFTEL-Herbert. Grandson of Ida and Isadore Straus who died on the Titanic, was known to his friends as "Buzzie." Mr. Scheftel, who lived in New York City, Easthampton, Le Touquet, France, died at the age of 92 on August 16 at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He attended St. Bernard's School, St. Paul's School and received his BA/MA from Oxford University. In World War II he was a major and senior controller of the 64th Fighter Wing. For his services, he was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre. Co-founder of the Pan-Am building, he was the officer and co-owner of three television stations in Connecticut, Illinois and Mexico, and six cable stations. He sold his Connecticut television station to Viacom International and became a consultant to that company. He was a past president and a current member of the Board of Directors of Greenwich House, the settlement house which services the city's underprivileged. Mr. Scheftel was a member of White's Club, London; Bucks Club, London; Knickerbocker Club, New York City; St. Cloud's, Paris; Travelers' Club, Paris; and Seminole Golf Club, Palm Beach, FL. He was a devoted husband to Yolande (formerly Fielding), cherished uncle of Susan (Richard) Finkelstein, adored great uncle to Sophie and Jesse, loving stepfather to Francoise Fielding and Cynthia Fielding-Singh and beloved grandfather of Stephanie and Kimberly Fielding and Priya and Vikram Fielding-Singh. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to St. James' Church or Greenwich House. For information on funeral arrangements, call Frank E. Campbell at 212-288-3500

SCHEFTEL-Herbert. The Board of Governors and membership of Deepdale Golf Club note with sorrow the untimely passing of our esteemed member. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family. John D. Martin, President

 

[David Elliot]

This following obituary was in the New York Times. His father was one of seven children of Isidore and Ida Straus. It's not surprising (but still fascinating) that at the top of his obituary, the reference to the titanic is mentioned. Bios that I've read of other Straus descendents also have similar backagrounds.

John Wendell Straus
STRAUS--John Wendell, died peacefully on May 18th at his home on Park Avenue. Mr. Straus, born in New York City in 1920, was the son of Herbert N. Straus and Theresa Kuhn Straus. His father's parents were Isadore and Ida Straus, who perished in the Titanic disaster. Mr. Straus attended the Browning School, Milton Academy, Harvard College, and the Harvard Business School's Executive Training Program. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, and taught French Resistance pilots to fly fighter planes. He worked as an executive for 25 years at R.H. Macy, and then left Macy's to serve as Vice President for the Arts at the State University of New York at Purchase. Mr. Straus was a trustee on many boards, including those of the Browning School, Marlboro College, the Fogg Museum at Harvard, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the American Federation of Arts, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, and Americans for the Arts. He was a lifetime member of the American Association of Arts Deans. Mr. Straus was an avid collector of drawings and other works of art. He also collected various antiques, including antique automobiles. He is survived by his wife, Anne Helburn Straus, three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, contributions to any of the above organizations would be appreciated.
Published in the New York Times on 5/21/2008

[Moderator's Note: This message, originally posted as a separate thread in a different topic, has been moved to this pre-existing thread addressing the same subject. MAB]