WORCESTER, MA -- Funeral services were held here May 5 for Murray Rotman, a legendary home furnishings retailer. He was 92 and died of colon cancer.
Murray Rotman and his wife Ida founded Rotman's furniture and carpet in 1956. Originally, they operated leased departments in Sherer's and then Bernard Sumner & Putnam.
In 1966, Rotman's opened in its present location in a large former warehouse building in downtown Worcester. Rotman's was a pioneer in re-habilitating historic spaces and transforming them into exciting places to shop.
Rotman's, which became the largest home furnishings retailer in New England, was well known for developing unique merchandising and marketing techniques that made furniture shopping an adventure rather than a chore. The store, with its exposed brick interior walls and polished wood floors, presented furniture in room vignettes as well as specialized departments. There were multiple levels and surprising merchandise presentations at every twist and turn.
A two-story waterfall greeted customers as they entered the store, there was a child care area, cafe and even entertainment for the customers. Consumers were known to visit Rotman's on their lunch hour and used it as a refuge far from the hum drum office world.
Rotman's is also a member of Carpet One and its rug department is one of the largest and most varied in the country.
Rotman's remained active in the business, even after he moved to Lake Worth, FL. He maintained a Summer home in Worcester, and he continued to take an active role in management decisions until his death.
He also remained an ardent golfer and played his last round in mid-April.
Murray Rotman, one of the most forward-thinking retailers in the country, was also dedicated to charitable causes.
He established the Ida and Murray Rotman Scholarship Fund to assist children of Rotman's employees with college tuition.
Murray Rotman was a lifetime member of the Board of Directors of Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary and a member of B'nai Brith, the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Congress.
Murray Rotman was born in Boston on June 12, 1911.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Ida Kaplan Rotman; sons Barry (Arline), Steven (Leslie) and Bernie (Benita); eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His sister, Miriam Rotman Wein, also survives.
Barry Rotman is chairman of the board of Rotman's; Steven Rotman is president and Bernie Rotman is advertising director.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Murray Rotman Memorial Fun at Beth Israel Synagogue, Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA, 01609, or to the Women's American ORT, c/o Elaine Hessell, 6886 Fountain Circle, Lake Worth, FL, 33467.