The Polish-born businessman and philanthropist died on Sunday aged 93, leaving a fortune estimated at more than $730 million and one of Melbourne’s largest commercial property holdings.
A peer and associate of Frank Lowy, Marc Besen and John Gandel, his death marks the final chapter of one of Australia’s most remarkable migrant success stories, surviving the concentration camps of Buchenwald and Auschwitz before eking out a fortune first in the rag trade and then in property.
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“He was a giant among men, ’’ said billionaire packaging magnate Raphael Geminder, who is married to one of the daughters of the late Richard Pratt, Fiona Geminder.
“He was someone I had an enormous respect for. He had a kind heart, warm spirit and a gentle soul. He was a shrewd businessman with incredible integrity, energy and a spirit of generosity. He was loved and adored by his family and friends — he will be missed.’’
Read the full story at THE AUSTRALIAN, by Samantha Hutchin and Damon Kitney
