STANLEY WARANCH

by | Sep 8, 2017 | Obituaries

Virg inia Beach —Stanley Waranch, 91 years old, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2017 in his home after a long illness.

He was born February 9, 1926 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Eldridge and Nellie Brodsky Waranch. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carol Buxbaum Waranch, as well as his four daughters, their spouses and families: Suzanne Gruelle (Dennis), Caren Alexis (Peter), Andrea Stein (James) and Diane Garfinkel (Eric). He will also be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren: Lauren Shomaker (Brett), Jill Jacobson (Lowell), Evan Berger (Kate), Jonathan Alexis (Natalie), Matthew Alexis (Davis), Michael Stein, Brett Stein, Daniel Garfinkel, Jamie Garfinkel, Cary Garfinkel and Julia Garfinkel, as well as his five great grandchildren: Hannah and Eva Shomaker, Elliott Jacobson, Sally and Kathryn Alexis. He is also survived by his loving siblings: Shirley Liss, Seeman Waranch (Doris) and brother-in-law, Stuart Buxbaum (Marilyn) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stanley grew up in Richmond, Virginia. After attending University of Virginia, he served in the U.S. Army. During this time, Stanley entertained the troops as “Stan the Record Man,” a radio disc jockey. A life long love of music remained and singing along with Frank and Dean were his specialty. The highlight of his return to Richmond was meeting the love of his life, Carol and, after 69 years, it was clearly a good decision.

Newly married, they settled in Norfolk. Stanley was soon invited into his father-in-law’s building business in Virginia Beach. He showed up to work in a business suit, tie, and briefcase in hand, however; he was promptly told to go home and change into his field clothes. Within a short time, Stanley was back in the office and took charge growing Buxbaum and Waranch into a successful company. Thus began a lifetime career in the home building business. In 1962, he served as president of the Home Builders Association of Virginia. By 1972, Stanley was proud to be elected president of the National Association of Homebuilders, recognized in the national Homebuilders Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. and continued to be a lifetime director. For at least 20 years, he served in the prestigious position of chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Atlanta.

Stanley delighted in the travel opportunities and treasured the life long friendships he made along the way. Despite his other commitments, Stanley stayed devoted to his community. He was president of the Tidewater United Way Campaign, the first president of the Tidewater Builders Association, and was inducted into their hall of fame. Recently, Tidewater Builders Association honored him by creating the “Stanley Award,” given annually to local homebuilder professionals. Additionally, he served on the board of directors of Ohef Sholom Temple, chaired the board of Tidewater Community College and served on the board of directors at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

While accomplishing so much in his professional endeavors, Stanley’s greatest pride and joy was always his family. He cherished his time with each of them and having everyone all together was even better.

After a private burial, a memorial service officiated by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg took place at Ohef Sholom Temple, followed by a meal of consolation in Kaufman Hall. Memorial donations to Ohef Sholom Temple Torah Fund, Eastern Virginia Medical School, The Strelitz Diabetes Center or a charity of your choice.

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.