Max Ratner
Max Ratner (December 26, 1907 - May 31, 1995) was an American real estate developer and philanthropist who co-founded Forest City Enterprises.
Max Ratner | |
|---|---|
| Born | Meyer Ratowczer December 26, 1907 |
| Died | May 31, 1995 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Real estate developer |
| Known for | Co-founder of Forest City Enterprises |
| Spouse(s) | Betty Wohlvert |
| Children | Charles Ratner Mark Ratner James Ratner Ronald Ratner |
| Parent(s) | Pesha Koppelman Ratowczer Moishe Ratowczer |
| Family | Bruce Ratner (nephew) Michael Ratner (nephew) Ellen Ratner (niece) |
Biography
Ratner was born Meyer Ratowczer to a Jewish family on December 26, 1907 in Białystok, Poland, the son of Pesha (née Koppelman) and Moishe Ratowczer.[1][2] In 1921, he immigrated to the Cleveland following the lead of his brother Charles and his family adopted the Ratner surname.[1] He graduated from Glenville High School on the east side of Cleveland.[1] In 1929, he graduated with a J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and then worked as an attorney.[1][2] In the same year, he founded Forest City Materials with his brothers Charles and Leonard,[1] his brother-in-law, Nate Shafran, and his sister, Fannye Ratner Shafran.[3] He served as the company's president from 1929 until 1975 and then as chairman of the board from 1975 until his death in 1995.[1]
In 1986, Forest City and his nephew, Bruce Ratner, formed a joint venture, the Forest City Ratner Companies, which is known for developing Brooklyn.[2] Its projects there included One Pierrepont Plaza in Brooklyn Heights and Metrotech Center, a large office, commercial and academic complex in downtown Brooklyn.[2]
Ratner was the founder and chairman of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce.[2][4] He was a supporter of Israel, the Jewish Museum in New York, and was active in the State of Israel Bonds organization.[2] Ratner was a trustee of the Cleveland Museum of Art, a board member of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, and served as president of the Park Synagogue in Cleveland.[2]
Personal life
In 1939, Ratner married Betty Wohlvert; they had four sons: Charles "Chuck" Ratner, Mark Ratner, James Ratner, and Ronald Ratner.[1][2] He died in Shaker Heights, Ohio on May 31, 1995 and was buried in the Park Synagogue Cemetery in Beachwood, Ohio.[1]
His nephew is Michael Ratner and his niece is Ellen Ratner, a news analyst for Fox News.[5]
References
- "Encyclopedia of Cleveland History: RATNER, MAX". Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
- Sloane, Leonard (June 2, 1995). "Max Ratner, 87, Philanthropist and Developer". New York Times.
- Bullard, Stan (May 16, 2015). "The Ratners: Family rooted in growth". Crain's Cleveland Business.
- "Max Ratner, Cleveland Businessman, to Head American-israel Chamber of Commerce". Jewish Telegraph Agency. February 29, 1968.
- Smith, Chris (2006-08-06). "Mr. Ratner's Neighborhood". nymag.com. Retrieved 2009-12-26.