Ronald L. Fradkin, a local businessman and philanthropist, passed away on Monday, Apr. 20. The Northwest Baltimore resident was 92.
A graduate of the Baltimore public school system, Fradkin graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He paused his legal studies to serve for two years in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War.
After completing his military service, he joined his father’s business, the Al Fradkin Co., “where he rose from working as a teenager to become President, gaining a deep understanding of the credit industry and helping to pioneer customer-focused payment solutions,” posted his family on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros.
“His passion for ethical business practices led to his long-standing involvement in the development of Consumer Credit Counseling services in Baltimore, where he served on the Board of Directors for over 35 years.”
Fradkin was also involved in commercial real estate and consulting services. In addition, he was active in leadership roles in several civic and charitable organizations, including Baltimore Goodwill Industries, the Better Business Bureau and the board of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore.
“Ronald Fradkin lived a life defined by service, leadership, and dedication to his community,” wrote his family.
Ronald Fradkin is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carole K. Fradkin (nee Kossow); his children, Michael Fradkin, Leslie (Joseph) Kessler, and Richard (Daniella) Fradkin; his daughter-in-law, Pamela Fradkin; his sister-in-law, Janet Zalman Kossow; his grandchildren, Alan Fradkin (Cynthia Lira), Adina (Hadar) Silverman, Arielle (Josh) Poliakoff, Rebecca (Bradley) Barshop, Dr. Adam (Vivian) Kessler, Katherine Kessler, Emily Fradkin, and Brian Fradkin; and his great-grandchildren, Esti Poliakoff, Chevi Poliakoff, Elliot Silverman, Elisha Poliakoff, Ori Silverman, Lincoln Barshop, Shani Poliakoff, Brooks Barshop, Sage Silverman and Ella Faye Kessler.
Fradkin is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Elaine Plimack and Rae Margolis (Dr. Bernard Margolis); his brother-in-law, Julian Kossow; and his parents, Anna and I. Albert Fradkin.
Services will be held on Tuesday, Apr. 21, at 3:30 p.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Interment at Beth Tfiloh Cemetery, 5800 Windsor Mill Road.
Contributions in Ronald Fradkin’s memory may be sent to Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, 3700 Koppers Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21227; the Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741; or to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore Maryland 21215.
The family will be in mourning at 8002 Brynmor Court, #306, in Pikesville on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m., with services at 7:30 each evening. The family will also receive visitors on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1-4 p.m.
“Ron was an amazing and thoughtful mentor to me when I entered my family business,” posted Alvin Levi. “A kind word, an important insight or recommendation, Ron played an important part in my growth. He will be remembered by many of us for his kindness and wisdom.”
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