Deli founder Rose Kravitz dies

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Rose Kravitz, 95, founder of Kravitz Delicatessen, died Thursday morning at Levy Gardens Assisted Living Facility.

Kravitz, who opened the business in 1939 on Elm Street, remained active at the deli’s current location, 3135 Belmont Ave. in Liberty, until one month ago.

Kravitz was born in Croatia in 1916, coming to Youngstown with her parents in the early 1920s. She graduate from The Rayen School in 1934 and married her husband, Herbert, in 1939. Herbert died in 1980.

Kravitz Deli remains a Mahoning Valley institution that also has a location at 311 South Main St. in Poland.

“You talk about a trailblazer,” said Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “To be an entrepreneur and a female back in the 1930s is incredible. She built a dynasty with her efforts and her work. She created a path for others to follow.”

She is survived by her son, Solomon Jacob Kravitz, or Jack, who has helped operate the family business and who previously started Kravitz Bagels, which operated from 1992 to 2006, and her daughters, Donia Foster and Linda Kantor.

The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Shriver Allison Courtney King Funeral Home, 292 Madison Ave.

Friends may call on the family starting at noon at the funeral home.