62 | MAY 12 • 2022 W hen asked about himself, Paul Borman would say he was “just a guy who sold bananas. ” To everyone else, he was an inspiring community leader, a staunch Israel supporter, a generous philanthropist, an innovative entrepreneur, and a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grand- father. Paul Borman, former CEO of Farmer Jack super- markets, died May 3, 2022, surrounded by the family he held so dear. He was 89. Paul was born in Detroit in 1932 to Molly and Abraham Borman, who exemplified the importance of Jewish tradition and devotion to family. When Abraham and his brother, Tom, emigrated from Russia, they opened a neighborhood fruit stand, which later became one of Detroit’s largest grocery chains, due in large part to Paul’s exemplary work ethic and exceptional business acu- men. After graduating from Highland Park High School, Paul attended Michigan State University in 1953, earning a degree in food marketing. He served as a cook in the Army before meeting the love of his life, Marlene Jaffa. Their 67-year marriage was a true partnership in every sense of the word, encompassing romance, shared values and mutual respect. Together they raised three sons and created a home where Jewish traditions were honored and family was central. Despite leaving for the office before the children were awake in the morning, he always arrived home in time for dinner. While he enjoyed special relationships with each of his sons, he had uncom- promising standards and high expectations. In 1962, Paul became pres- ident of Borman Foods, mak- ing his one of the youngest CEOs of a public company in the country. He led the tran- sition from the former Food Fair stores to the popular and successful Farmer Jack super- market chain. By the early 1980s, the company had more than 100 stores, 7,500 employ- ees and more than $1 billion in revenue. He used innovative mar- keting techniques that distin- guished Farmer Jack stores from the competition. He was the largest importer of Israeli grocery products, car- rying items that were not sold elsewhere. He lent further support to Israel by helping food manufacturers prepare and package their products for the U.S. market and encourag- ing Jewish grocers across the country to stock their stores with Israeli products. He and Marlene made countless trips to Israel, serv- ing as guides to former Detroit Free Press publisher David Lawrence and Vice President George Bush. For all his accomplish- ments, his family was his most important legacy. He took great delight in watching his family grow, embracing his sons’ wives and their families as his own. His granddaugh- ter Molly described him as a “warm, kind, silly and hum- ble” Zaydie who loved spend- ing time with his grandchil- dren and great-grandchildren. Paul was devoted to the city of Detroit, keeping the Detroit Farmer Jack stores open during the 1967 riots and later adding new stores to provide jobs and fresh food to the local communities. He believed in keeping prices uni- form in every store, from city to suburbs. He further demonstrated his commitment to Detroit as a founding member of New Detroit and a board member of several orga- nizations including the United Foundation, the Detroit Symphony, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the University of Detroit. When the iconic Thanksgiving parade was in jeopardy, Paul was part of a small group of Detroit CEOs who ensured the event would continue by establishing the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. For many years, he was part of the parade’s “clown corps, ” a tradi- tion carried on by his sons and grandchildren. He and Marlene were involved in numerous phil- anthropic efforts throughout their lives, in metro Detroit and beyond, including found- ing the Jewish studies program at Michigan State University and overseeing worldwide fundraising for the Hermelin Campus for World ORT in Israel. Despite receiving countless awards and accolades, Paul preferred to stay out of the limelight, a “humble grocer” who touched the lives of thou- sands in his own quiet way. Paul Borman is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marlene; sons and daugh- ters-in-law, Stuart (Hilary) Borman, Gilbert Borman and Eric (Julie) Borman; grand- children, Molly and Larry Borman Heymont, Hannah and Marc Crane, Harry Borman, Samuel Borman, Jonathan and Whitney Borman, Alex Borman; great-grandchildren, Henry Heymont, Claire Crane and Stella Crane; and brother and sister-in-law, Leonard (Bobbie) Borman. He was also the brother of the late Nettie (the late Morey) Firestone. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Weizmann Institute, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 365, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, weizmann- usa.org; ORT America Michigan Region, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 350, Bloomfield Township, MI 48301, ortamerica.org; Hebrew Free Loan, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, hfldetroit.org; or The Parade Company, 9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A, Detroit, MI 48211, theparade.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. An Unassuming Powerhouse Paul Borman RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER