Burton L. Savitt

Burton L. Savitt, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011. Preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, Avis. Survived by children, Douglas & Joanne Savitt and Connie & Jerry Sandler; grandchildren, Daniel & Lieba Savitt, Michael Savitt and girlfriend Hollie Tarsis, Jay and Danielle Sandler, Todd Sandler and girlfriend Jessica Waller, Lee Sandler & Amy Sandler; great-grandson, Eliyah Savitt; brother Arnold (Georganne) Savitt, sisters Carolyn (Jerry) London and Judy Dodd; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan (Stan) Strimling and Ruth Margulies. A graduate of North High School, Burt attended the University of Minnesota where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and went on active duty in 1943. He served as a personal affairs consultant in a troupe carrier command and was discharged as a corporal in 1945 when World War II ended. Following the war, Burt joined the family business – Savitt Bros. Paint & Wallpaper – working with the original “brothers,” his father Daniel and his brother Phil. Following his father’s death in 1956, Burt took over the business and was later joined by his brother, Arnold. At one time Savitt Bros. had six stores throughout the Twin Cities. Burt became involved in several industry organizations and was active both locally and nationally in the National Decorating Products Association (NDPA). He went on to serve as national president of NDPA from 1965-1966 representing 14,000 dealers across the country. The brothers sold the business in 2003 but Burt continued working until the age of 85. Burt was a longtime member of Adath Jeshurun Synagogue. He served as a vice-president of the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue Board of Trustees and as president of the condominium association where he and Avis lived the last 30 years. He was a longtime member of both the Sunlight Masonic Lodge and Zuhrah Shrine. Burt was a wonderful storyteller and will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his zest for life, and his culinary ability and love of good food. He was an avid reader – particularly mysteries – and loved all sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings. He cherished time spent with his six grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was a loving husband, father, brother, “Papa,” and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed and remembered always by all who knew and loved him. Special thanks to Dr. Burton Schwartz and the wonderful Sholom Hospice team who cared for him so lovingly the last few months. Funeral service Sunday, February 13, 2 PM, at Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane W., Mtka. Memorials preferred to the Avis Margulies Savitt Gan Shelanu Fund at the Adath Jeshurun Congregation or Sholom Hospice. SHIVA, Adath Jeshurun Congregation (Sunday, Monday & Tuesday 7PM)