Obituary for Jack Carmel Jack Carmel, 97, of Miami, Florida passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018. He was born in Palestine (modern day Israel) on January 17, 1921. He spent his youth traveling around Europe on ships, first as a stowaway and then as a ship hand, working his way up and eventually joining the Merchant Marines.
During World War II, Jack ferried supplies to the Russians on the Murmansk run, where his convoys of ships came under attack by the German navy numerous times. He emigrated to the United States in 1947, where he established a business and began raising a family. Jack was a highly successful entrepreneur.
His business ventures began with a window business, he then built an aluminum extrusion company which at one point employed more than 800 employees and culminated with the founding of J&D Financial, a long-standing factoring company, where, until just recently, he continued to work daily. Aside from his multitude of experiences and accomplishments in business, in his 97 years, Jack touched many lives. A beloved member of the Miami community, he was known for his strength, optimism, and vivacity.
He celebrated life at every turn, deeply loved his family and friends and always exhibited a true interest in learning about others. Jack was larger than life, always center stage on the dance floor and an avid storyteller. He was an explorer, traveling all around the world numerous times, and speaking more than seven languages.
Never one to sit on the sidelines, Jack was a talented athlete. He loved big game fishing, having won many tournaments over the years, and golf. Anyone that golfed with Jack knew the phrase “who’s the greatest” would be heard as he stood over his putt.
Jack is survived by his wife, Katika Carmel, his children Howard Carmel (Ana), Jonathan Carmel (Barbara), Richard Carmel (Astrid), Barbara Woolverton (Steve) and David Carmel (Jill) and his grandchildren, Anna Carmel, Sarah, Jessica and Aaron Woolverton, and Devon and Sydney Carmel. He was preceded in death by his wives, Anne Carmel and Diana Carmel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer in memory of Jack Carmel.
Please make checks payable to “University of Miami” and mailed to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 016960 (M-867), Miami, Fl 33101. On-line donations may be made at advancement. miami.
edu/netcommunity/sslpage. aspx? pid=204 .
A special thank you from the family to Jack’s longtime doctor and friend, Dr. Peter Segall, for his care. Private funeral services will be held for the family at the graveside. Friends, family and those wishing to pay respects are invited to join in a celebration of Jack’s life on Wednesday May 9, 2018 beginning at 5:30pm at Oceania II, 16445 Collins Ave.
, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jack Carmel please visit our Sympathy Store.
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