64 | DECEMBER 12 • 2024

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SIDNEY CHODUN, 87,
of Katy, Texas, died Nov.
28, 2024.
He is survived by
his children, Monica
(Christopher) Johns
and Eric (Rebecca) Chodun; grand-
children, Cayce, Christopher II
and Esabella; sister, Rosan Kaplan;
brother and sister-in-law, Stan and
Cheryl Chodun; many loving nieces,
nephews, other family members and
friends.
Interment was at Beth El
Memorial Park Cemetery in
Livonia. Contributions may be
made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BERTRAM “BERT”
EDELSTEIN, 99, of
West Bloomfield, died
Nov. 28, 2024.
He is survived by
his wife of 66 years,
Fern Edelstein; daughter, Andrea
Edelstein; sons and daughter-in-law,
Arthur Edelstein, Robert Edelstein,
Julian and Kristie Edelstein; grand-
children, Alyssa and Kyle Coggins,
Brandon and Rachael Edelstein,
Spencer Shapiro, and Connor
Edelstein; great-grandchildren,
Tanner Coggins, Kimberly Coggins,
Sarah Coggins, Jacob Edelstein, and
Lucas Edelstein; brother and sister-
in-law, Don and Gloria Cohen.
Mr. Edelstein was the dear brother
of the late Hugh and the late Ellen
Cohen, the late Bert Cohen, and
the late Marilyn and the late Arthur
Goldman.
Interment was at Clover Hill
Park Cemetery. Contributions may
be made to Henry Ford Health,
Development Office, 1 Ford Place,
#5A, Detroit, MI 48202, henryford.
com/development/ways/memorials
(Donations should be directed to the
Henry Ford Health Patient Medical
Needs Fund). Arrangements by Ira
Kaufman Chapel.

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

O

scar Feldman, whose
remarkable life was
dedicated to business
innovation, philanthropy and
advancing future generations,
passed away on Nov. 27, 2024, at
the age of 103.
Born Aug. 18, 1921, in
Poughkeepsie,
N.Y., to Hungarian
Jewish immigrants,
Oscar embodied
resilience, ambition,
and an unwavering
commitment to
community. Growing
up during the Great
Depression, he found
guidance and encouragement
from neighbors and friends
who nurtured his potential
while his father and brother
were busy managing the family’s
used furniture store. This early
experience of collective care deeply
influenced his life, inspiring him to
uplift others in return.
Oscar graduated from high
school during the Great Depression
and attended the University of
Michigan on an ROTC scholarship,
a transformative opportunity
that set the course for his life and
informed his lifelong relationship
with the university.
At Michigan, he pursued his love
for music as a trumpeter in the
university’s bands. However, World
War II interrupted his studies,
and Oscar served as an officer
in the Army Corps of Engineers,
commanding battalions in the
European theater. His leadership
during the war was marked by
fairness and dignity, qualities that
he carried into all aspects of his life.
After the war, Oscar completed
his M.B.A. at Michigan and earned
a J.D. from Columbia University.
His career began in tax law; but
a call from his college friend, Bill
Davidson, brought him back to
Michigan to assist with a struggling

family business. Together, they
transformed Guardian Industries
into a thriving enterprise,
cementing a partnership built on
mutual trust and vision.
Oscar’s influence extended into
professional sports as a co-owner
and general manager of the
Detroit Pistons. His leadership
helped turn the franchise into an
NBA powerhouse, culminating
in championships in 1989, 1990
and 2004. That same year, under
his and Davidson’s stewardship,
the Detroit Shock (WNBA) and
Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
also won championships. Oscar’s
contributions earned him induction
into the Michigan Jewish Sports
Hall of Fame. Despite these
demanding roles, he continued
to practice law and advise clients
across various industries.
Oscar’s success was matched
only by his generosity. He was
deeply committed to giving back,
championing education, the arts
and social equity. His leadership
extended to the Detroit Medical
Center, the Jewish Federation
of Detroit, and the William
Davidson Foundation, among other
organizations.
A passionate advocate for
preserving Jewish heritage and
supporting the State of Israel, Oscar
devoted himself to strengthening
Jewish communities locally and
globally. He credited his formative
years at the University of Michigan
for much of his success and gave
generously to expand scholarship
opportunities for underserved
students.
Oscar often reflected on the
importance of collaboration and
investing in causes that uplift
others, a philosophy he described
in his oral history interview with
the Center for Michigan Jewish
Heritage. “It’s been a rewarding
journey,” he remarked. “I wouldn’t
change a thing.”

Oscar is survived by his wife
of 73 years, Dede; their children,
Margot Kaplan and Richard
Feldman; grandchildren; and great-
grandchildren. His family continues
to uphold the values he cherished:
compassion, purpose and a
commitment to the betterment of
society. His family treasures the
many gifts of his extraordinary life
and hopes his memory will be a
blessing to all who were touched
by his kindness and generosity.
May Oscar Feldman’s memory be a
source of inspiration and blessing
to all who knew him.
Those wishing to honor Oscar’s
legacy are invited to donate to the
following causes, which reflect his
lifelong commitment to equity and
education:
Detroit Institute of Arts.
The DIA holds special meaning
for Dede and Oscar, providing
educational programs for children
and seniors while enriching
Detroit’s cultural fabric. Gifts in
his memory will help ensure that
art continues to inspire the Greater
Detroit community. Donate at
dia.org/support/donate. When
prompted, gifts can be made in
memory of Oscar Feldman;
The Randolph School. Located in
Oscar’s hometown of Poughkeepsie,
N.Y., the Randolph School serves
diverse families in the Hudson
Valley. A fund established in
celebration of Oscar’s 100th
birthday continues to provide
scholarships, ensuring equitable
access to quality education for
the next generation of visionary
leaders. Donate at randolphschool-
bloom.kindful.com. Indicate in
memory of Oscar Feldman.
A chapel service was held at
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home,
1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington
Heights. Interment was at
Shalom Memorial Park. To leave
condolences, shalommemorial.org;
or (847) 255-3520.

A Leader & Philanthropist

Oscar
Feldman
c. 1946