Frank Farber: Businessman leaves 'handshake' legacy

FARBER

Posted By: cheryl moonen (email)
Date: 4/29/2015 at 22:05:19

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Sunday, March 17, 2013
Deceased Name: Frank Farber: Businessman leaves 'handshake' legacy
The myriad business, personal and spiritual relationships he built throughout 98 years of life have ensured Frank Farber a place in the annals of Dubuque history that he knew so well.

The former CEO of the Farber Bag and Supply Co., father of five, tennis player, synagogue leader and historian passed away March 9 at his winter home in Boca Raton, Fla., with family at his side.

Son Jim, now president of Farber Bag and Supply Co., said his father was devoted to business and family, and that "retirement was not a word for him." Jim said Farber's word was as good as a signed contract.

"In business, it was his word," Jim said. "His word was what it was. He didn't need contracts."

Daughter Susan said Farber was trusting and honest, part of a generation that valued a handshake as a way to close a deal.

"This is a generation that is unique in its own right," she said. "This is a generation when everything from a business perspective was done with a handshake. "¦ That's an age of business I don't know if we'll ever see again."

Farber's dedication to his business was equaled by his love for his family and for social life, according Susan. She said her father was a "genuine, bread and butter person" with an "infectious laugh," and a love for parties and celebrations.

Tennis was Farber's sport, Susan said, and a passion he indulged frequently.

"I think he's played tennis with everybody in the city of Dubuque at one time or another," she said.

Farber was active in his synagogue, Temple Beth El. Susan said her father even helped raise money to build the structure, located at 475 W. Locust St.

The influence Farber had on the synagogue is impossible to miss, according to Alan Garfield, an active member of the Temple Beth El congregation.

"You cannot walk into our temple without seeing various things that Frank was responsible for and helped contribute," Garfield said.

Farber's involvement helped turn the reading of names of deceased synagogue members during the High Holy Days into a well-attended event, Garfield said.

"He'd say, 'Oh I remember him,' or 'He was a bad golfer,'" Garfield said. "All of a sudden this became a real popular part of our High Holy Days. He knew all of the people, and knew all of the families, and made it real personable."