Abouchar Laid to Rest in N.J.

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/17/2007 12:00:00 AM

Summit, N.J. —

Services were held Dec. 3 for Richard Abouchar, retired president of J. Abouchar & Sons embellished towels, who passed away Nov. 29 at age 76.

Abouchar was a beloved figure in the industry, and was one of the last generations in a family business that stretched back over seven decades before it was sold.

Born on Dec.18, 1930 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Abouchar was a 1948 graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. He attended Lehigh University and obtained his bachelor's degree in economics from Columbia University.

He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, spending most of his tour in Korea. After his discharge, he worked toward his PhD. in economics at New York University.

He was president of the family business founded by his father Joseph in 1927, which he ran with his brother Edward for 47 years before retiring in 1999, when the company was sold.

He served on the board of directors of the Linen Trade Association from 1980 to 1982. He was also a director of the National Bath, Bed and Linen Association, for which he served as president from 1983 to 1985.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Allison and Keith, brother Edward, and grandchildren Justin and Ryan Cross.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Poly Prep Country Day School, Brooklyn, N.Y. or Central Presbyterian Church in Summit.