Service Information
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Shiva Information
Shiva Information
Kaplan Residence
1326 Edgewood Lane
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Monday following the service through the evening
Contributions
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 https://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, New York, 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 https://randolphschool-bloom.kindful.com/
Indicate Oscar Feldman
Obituary
Oscar Feldman, whose remarkable life was dedicated to business innovation, philanthropy, and advancing future generations, passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 103. Born on August 18, 1921, in Poughkeepsie, New York, 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.
A Journey of Service and Leadership
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 MBA at Michigan and earned a JD 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.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Impact
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 Metro 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.”
A Life Well-Lived
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 https://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, New York, 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 https://randolphschool-bloom.kindful.com/. Indicate in memory of Oscar Feldman.
Chapel service Monday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to virtually view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
December 13th, 2024
Dear Dede and family,
I want to offer my condolences to all of you, on behalf of Harold as well. Reading his obituary brought back so many wonderful memories. I could see his smile, hear his voice and remember his warm greetings when I would see him. He could be tough when he needed to be and sweet as sugar, especially when he was talking about Dede.
I know age does not matter when you lose someone you love. I hope your memories will comfort you during this time.
May his memory be a blessing.
Warm regards,
Penny Blumenstein
~Penny Blumenstein
~friend, Palm Beach, FL
December 8th, 2024
Dear Dede and family, Please accept my deepest and most sincere sympathies! We loved having Oscar and Dede as our guests at our home “Casa Familia” in Punta Mita Mexico.. Oscar’s memories and stories kept us entertained for hours! They were the perfect guests!!!
I have missed being with them since they moved to Chicago!! Love, Bluma
~Bluma Schechter
~Friend, BLOOMFLD HLS
December 2nd, 2024
I have many memories of Oscar – at Jewish holidays, at the Piston games, at Guardian and later on the William Davidson Foundation board.
The first time that the Davidson Foundation met with AIPAC, we had lunch with their leadership at Franklin Hills County Club. While most of us were ordering a light lunch, Oscar – already 90 at least – ordered an incredibly large steak (which he finished). And when there was a pause in the conversation, Oscar looked up from his steak and asked, “So what’s the million-dollar question?” That led to a million-dollar request, a $1 million gift – and we’ve been making that gift every year ever since. I think about that each year when we make the gift.
Another recent story. When my son, Isaac, was moving into South Quad at U of M, the boy ahead of us in line told us that he’d come from New York to study music at Michigan. And what was his name?? Ozzie Feldman….I was happy to pass that on to Margo and I understand that Oscar got a real kick out of it.
This is truly the end of an era; I will always remember Oscar fondly.
~Eli Saulson
~Family friend, Franklin, MI
December 2nd, 2024
Whenever our family was able to travel to Detroit we were always met by Ozzie’s friendliness and kindness.
~Ellen schinder
~Extended family, Fort Lauderdale, florida
December 2nd, 2024
It was a beautiful service. I’ll always remember Ozzie as a great guy, going to Piston games in Detroit & taking him to Heat games here. It was wonderful to hear so much more of Ozzie’s life. Rest in Peace to a true Mensch
~Bernard Jay Schinder
~Extended family, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
December 2nd, 2024
O met Oscar late in life. He was an energetic personality and always willing to lend a helping hand. He and Dede were gracious hosts and of course we enjoyed discussing the art collection. We also were able to share some wine together on a few occasions. Oscar was a Mench in every sense of the word. The sharing of his stories about his experiences were invaluable. Although he had great financial success, i believe more importantly he was a success in life with his friends and his family. He will be missed.
~Robert Schwartz
~Friend, Bloomfield Hills
December 2nd, 2024
Mr. Feldman was always so kind to me. When i was a snotty nose kid at pistons games screaming at the refs he would always look out for me. He got my cousin and I tickets to see the Pistons play the Knicks in the playoffs at Madison Square Garden. I never will forget how kind he was to me. I will always have fond memories and I hope you do as well. He will be missed
~philip Appel
~friend, bloomfield hills, mi
December 2nd, 2024
Dede and family, very sorry to hear of Mr. Feldman passing. I appreciated the opportunity that he and Mr. Davidson gave me to work under their tutelage, as I learned many lessons that served me well in my business career. A fantastic man who gave much to his country and other causes.
~Tom Abbott
~Friend and former Pistons employee, Brighton, MI
December 1st, 2024
Rest in peace fellow birthday recipient.
~Scott Edward Beaudrie 8/18/1964
~, Southgate
December 1st, 2024
Dearest Dede and family – Sending heartfelt condolences on Ozzie’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Dede and Oscar’s dedication to the DIA, where I had the privilege of working with them for over a decade. Always warm, generous, thoughtful and caring … amazing partners in our efforts to expand the impact of our beloved museum. May the memory of all the joy you shared throughout so many years together overshadow your sorrow now. Blessings and love to all!
~Peg Tallet
~grateful friend, Pleasant Ridge, Michigan
November 30th, 2024
Rest in peace Mr. Feldman. I met you back when the Detroit Pistons played Cobo Arena in downtown Detroit. You were always gracious and kind when I was President of the Detroit Pistons Fan Club. You and Mr. Davidson built a franchise that took the NBA by storm as it went forward winning three NBA World Championships nand built a world-class arena, The Palace of Auburn Hills, which was the envy of many owners and executives in sports! My sympathy to your family and friends and NBA colleagues. Shalom.
~George Eichorn
~Friend, Warren
November 30th, 2024
I will always remember Ozzie as a smart, no-nonsense, dedicated and innovation member of and leader in our community. When Ozzie spoke, always articulate, people listened. May his memory be a blessing.
~Peter Alter
~Friend and colleague at Jewish Federation of Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
November 29th, 2024
Oscar was a great mentor to everyone. He had a magnetic personable style to go along with his knowledge. He was a quiet very effective leader. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will be carried on by all the people who were lucky to know him.
~Joni and Neil Satovsky
~Worked on Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit committees with Oscar and travelled to Israel with Dede, West Bloomfield
November 29th, 2024
Dede and family
We just found out about Oscar‘s passing. So many fun memories growing up to start with you know he hired my mother when she first came to this country. Always there for advice and shared in all our family. Simcha’s. What a wonderful man! Our condolences to the whole Feldman family.
Best regards,
Natalie and Bill Newman family
~Natalie and Bill Newman
~Friend, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Guest Book and Memories
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