Harry Aaron Finkelman

Harry Aaron Finkelman, 89, of Middletown, died Thursday, September 23, 2004, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Middletown on April 1, 1915 to parents Samuel and Lena (Ostrofsky) Finkelman.

Mr. Finkelman was the founder of the Realtors Land Institute, of which he was also the honorary past president, life member, outstanding broker, and received the first distinguished service award. He was a member of the Middletown and the Ohio State Real Estate Board, and received the Ohio State distinguished service award. He served on numerous committees over the years. He was recognized by the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, receiving their Blue Ribbon Recognition Award and was named the Middletown Historical Society’s Historian of the Year. Harry was also recognized by the City of Middletown Planning Commission for his development of land and real estate and his historical preservation. He was founder and member of the Miami Valley Humane Association, member of Tau Epsilon Phi, and of the Bankers Club of Cincinnati, and life member of the Middletown Sportsmen´s Club. He was a member of the International Real Estate Association and served as delegate to many conferences.

Education was of great concern to Mr. Finkelman. He established educational foundations through the Realtors Land Institute, Ohio State University, and the Middletown Community Foundation. He also contributed to many other organizations, including Temple Beth Sholom, the YMCA, and the Middletown Campus of Miami University.

Mr. Finkelman is survived by his wife, Beatrice (Moder) Finkelman; two daughters, Barbara M. Finkelman of Boulder, CO and Kay M. Irelan of Arcata, CA; one brother, Morris (Doris) Finkelman of Lodi, CA; granddaughter, Rachel S. Lewitt of Portland, OR; grandson, David K. Irelan of New York, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters, Maxwell Finkelman, Myrna Haimes, Ann Rosenthal, Betty Haimes, Joseph Finkelman, and Sol A. Finkelman.


Funeral Service will be held Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 2:00 PM at Temple Beth Sholom with Rabbi Amy Greenbaum officiating. The family will receive visitors for a Minyan Service Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, at 7:00 pm at the Finkelman residence, 2804 Central Ave., Middletown. Entombment will be at Woodside Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth Sholom, 610 Gladys Dr., Middletown, OH 45044 – OR – the charity of the donor’s choice.


Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044