Mr. Erwin Grunhut z”l

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Mr. Erwin (Simcha Bunim) Grunhut z”l. He was 89.

Born on January 12, 1929, Mr. Grunhut survived the Holocaust and immigrated from Europe to the United States, becoming a longtime resident of Queens.

Mr. Grunhut served as the president of Astor Chocolate Corp, which he founded in 1950.

Mr. Grunhut identified, and in many ways pioneered, the industries that Astor currently services, including hospitality and travel retail, and single-handedly created almost all Astor’s products. Erwin’s legacy is marked by a series of “firsts,” including personalized turn down chocolates for the hospitality industry and selling chocolate as a souvenir for the travel retail market. Among Mr. Grunhut’s greatest achievements were his commitment to his employees and inspiring innovation.

Astor Chocolate has been a leading purveyor of chocolate for over 60 years, thanks to Mr. Grunhut’s dedication.

Mr. Grunhut was a yorei Shomayim who conducted himself with the highest levels of ehrlichkeit and yashrus always. His hashkafos were unbending.

Mrs. Grunhut passed away in Lakewood, NJ. The levayah was held today at the the Congregation Sons of Israel Holocaust Memorial Chapel in Lakewood.

He was predeceased by his wife, Toni. He is survived by his children, Reb Dovid Grunhut, Reb Meir Grunhut and Reb Nachum Grunhut.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{CB Frommer-Matzav.com / Photo: Flash 87 Images}