Asher Benator, 82, of Atlanta
Asher Benator, 82, died on June 29, 2013 after an amazing and fulfilled life.
In Hebrew, Asher means “happy” or “blessing,” and that fully exemplifies the man. He loved everyone that he met, and everyone that met Asher loved him. He was born in Atlanta on April 2, 1931 to Isaac and Marie Benator, of blessed memory. He is also predeceased by his brothers, Morris and Max Benator, of blessed memory.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59-and-a-half years, Grace Levy Benator, who he always said was his “love at first sight” and the best thing that he ever did. Asher is also survived by “the best family in world,” including children Michael (Carol) Benator, Michelle (Craig) Rich and Sam (Ann) Benator; grandchildren Ryan (Jennifer) Benator, Keith (Melanie) Benator, Gabriel and Julie Rich and Jason and Asher Benator; great-granddaughter, Lily Benator; sister, Alice (Nathan) Spielberg; brother, John (Leslie) Benator; sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Zelda Benator and Denise Solomon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Asher led a very active and giving life. Many that knew him said that he would give you the shirt off of his back and that he never said “no.” In 1949, Asher was the State of Georgia Golden Gloves boxing champ. He graduated from Georgia State in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and then served as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, for more than 30 years, Asher and two brothers and two cousins ran several grocery stores in Atlanta.
Because he could never said “no,” Asher was active in many charitable organizations – past president of his beloved synagogue, Congregation Or VeShalom, Bedford Pines Boys Club, Men’s ORT of Atlanta and Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta; chairman of Israel Bonds for the State of Georgia; commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 112; board member of Butler Street YMCA; Man of the Year for B’nai B’rith and ORT; Southeast Region Israel Bonds Award of Honor; and Lifetime Achievement Award-winner for Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
Asher supported his family through the grocery business but – consistent with his personality – also excelled in business through real estate, hospitality services and stock investments with many cherished and talented partners.
A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all, Asher’s life was full of so many cherished family celebrations, travels and memories.
An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Or VeShalom, orveshalom.org, 1681 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30319; the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338, atlantajcc.org; or the charity of your choice. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Mon., July 1, 2013 at Arlington Memorial Park, officiated by Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.
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