Local businessman, philanthropist, and community and civic leader Calman “Buddy” Jacob Zamoiski Jr. passed away of natural causes on Feb. 10 at his residence near Easton, Md. He was 93.
A Baltimore native, Zamoiski was chairman of the board and CEO of the Zamoiski Company and Independent Distributors Inc., an electrical supply business and wholesale distribution company started in 1896 by his immigrant grandfather, Joseph M. Zamoiski. Zamoiski took over the Baltimore operation in 1972 after the death of his father, Calman Zamoiski Sr..
Zamoiski Jr. expanded the company’s size and product range to include appliances, flooring, housewares, televisions, radios, wine and more. He built a spacious, state-of-the art distribution center on Waterview Avenue in South Baltimore, and the plaque on his office desk read, “If not, why not?”
He was also the director emeritus of the Mercantile Bankshares and Mercantile Safe Deposit & Trust Co.
Zamoiski was a 1946 graduate of McDonogh School and attended the University of Maryland before joining the family business.
Among the organizations that Zamoiski supported and served in leadership roles were The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Baltimore Museum of Arts, Sinai Hospital, Har Sinai Congregation, the Central Scholarship Bureau, Friends School of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, the Baltimore Community Foundation, the Suburban Club of Baltimore County, the Columbus Center, John Hopkins Hospital, the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, the Maryland Airport Commission, the United Jewish Appeal and the Cheapeake Bay Trust.
Regarding the latter organization, Zamoiski was particularly proud of the role he played in the creation of BAY license plates.
Considered a resourceful and persistent fund-raiser who preferred working quietly behind the scenes, Zamoiski served as chairman of the board of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 1986 to 1990 and from 1997 to 2003. He was credited by many BSO supporters for placing the symphony on secure financial ground during that period, as well as helping to recruit world-famous Russian conductor Yuri Temirkanov in 2000.
Zamoiski also served as president of the Zamoiski Barber Segal Family Foundation Inc., and was long active in local political circles, largely supporting Democratic candidates.
An endowment fund was named in Zamoiski’s honor by the Baltimore Community Foundation upon his retirement from that organization’s board.
In his spare time, Zamoiski enjoyed traveling abroad, fishing and hunting, biking and running, entertaining at home, the Orioles, boating and dining out
“During his decades long involvement, Buddy served in all of The Associated’s most prominent leadership roles,” read a statement from the federation. “He served as President of Associated Jewish Charities, Chair of the Annual Campaign and the Chair of the Associated’s Board of Directors, to name a few. Buddy’s leadership and support of The Associated was felt throughout his lifetime and he was a perennial champion for The Associated system. Buddy was known as an astute businessman who led with passion, commitment and resolve. His counsel, guidance, friendship and mentorship will be missed. However, his legacy will endure forever.
“Buddy was well-regarded throughout the Baltimore community for his lifelong commitment to the philanthropic and civic endeavors … Our thoughts are with the Zamoiski family during this difficult time. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Zamoiski is survived by his daughter, Clair Zamoiski Segal of Baltimore; his grandchildren, Rachel Zamoiski Soifer (Jason) of Bethesda and Catherine Zamoiski Halprin (Peter) of New York; his great-grandchildren, James Halprin, Lila Halprin, Julia Soifer and Anna Soifer; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Joan Berkowitz Zamoiski (Jonathan); his sister, Louise Z. Barber; and his step great-grandchildren, Joseph Soifer, Harrison Rogers, Matthew Rogers (Stacie), and Adam Rogers (MaryCarol).
He is also survived by Patricia French (David), his friend and devoted assistant for 32 years, as well as by nephews and nieces.
Zamoiski was predeceased by his wife of more than 60 years, Ellen Levi Zamoiski, and his son, James L. Zamoiski.
Funeral services and interment on Feb. 12 are private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the James L. Zamoiski Scholarship Fund at the Friends School of Baltimore, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 21210.
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