Donald M. Kalish

Donald Merar Kalish, 90, formerly of Beachwood, OH. passed away on July 19,2019, at the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn, OH. Don was born in Cleveland Heights in 1928, the son of Jack and Edythe (Merar) Kalish.

Don graduated from Heights High School in 1946, where he was a member of Keystone, and Western Reserve University in 1950, where he was president of ZBT fraternity. Don reconnected with many members of his Keystone group, and they met regularly for lunch in recent years.

Don married Ruth Levison of Washington, PA on December 1, 1957. They lived for many years in Shaker Heights.

He worked in the housing industry in Cleveland for many years, as a merchant-builder, a materials supplier, and for nearly 20 years as a property manager for Zehman-Wolf Management.

A lifelong member of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, Don served as president of the temple Brotherhood (now Men of Fairmount Temple). During the 2000's, Don shared his love of Cleveland's Jewish history as a docent at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Don was also a talented sculptor, working primarily in clay and ceramics. He studied with John Clague.

Don was a 30+ years survivor of colon cancer. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Levison Kalish, and sons Alan Kalish of Columbus and David (Carolyn) Kalish of Akron, and grandsons Nate, Jacob, Seth and Adam Kalish.

Friends who wish may contribute to Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, Cleveland Ostomy Association, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, or the charity of choice.

A service will be held Monday, July 22 at 2 PM at the Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Blvd, Beachwood, OH.

The family will receive at Fairmount Temple following services until 5 PM.

A private interment will be held prior to services.

Arrangements under the direction of BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL (216) 932-7900.