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