Stephen H Saltzman

Stephen H. Saltzman, 72 of Webster, Massachusetts, beloved husband, brother, friend, father and grandfather, died unexpectedly on May 26, 2015 in New York. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Sol and Ruth (Lehrhoff) Saltzman. Mr. Saltzman was a proud veteran of our nation's armed forces serving in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, Stephen attended Winona State College in Winona, Minnesota as well as University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Stephen was Founder and President of Jesco Industrial Supplies, Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota for more than thirty years. Stephen's greatest joy was negotiating a deal over dinner at his beloved Manny's Steakhouse and wrapping up the evening with a good smoke of his Padron, a glass of port and meaningful political conversation. Stephen served faithfully on the Board of Trustees of The National ALS Association for over eleven years, and served as a member of the Chairman's Council until his death. During his tenure, Stephen was active on the Board as Vice Chair, Chair of the Chapter Relations Committee, the Patient Services Committee, and the Development Committee and was, at one time or another, a member of almost every Board Committee. Stephen was also actively engaged with the Minnesota /North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter. Stephen was a dedicated advocate for those living with ALS and worked tirelessly on their behalf. He said, "In so many cases, there reaches a point with ALS when people with the disease lose their voice. People like me have an obligation to speak on their behalf, to express their thoughts and feelings, and to make sure everything possible is being done to help them." For those who didn't have the opportunity of meeting Stephen Saltzman, his presence was larger than life in every way. Stephen, always dapper, approached the issues that came before the Board using his business acumen with humor and compassion. He was a gentle bear of a man with a big heart. Stephen is survived by his wife, Debra J. Maguire. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Saltzman and partner, Debra Remphrey of Dallas, Texas. He was the father of three sons, Scott Saltzman of Chicago, Illinois, Jeffrey Saltzman of Peoria, Illinois and Joshua Saltzman of Ottertail, Minnesota. Stephen is also survived by three stepsons, Kevin J. Maguire, Jr. and wife, Amanda Maguire of Leicester, Massachusetts, Patrick Maguire of Boston, Massachusetts and Matthew Maguire of Webster, Massachusetts. Stephen (a/k/a Papap) loved his grandchildren, Olivia Maguire and Ava Maguire, Brody Saltzman, Lola Saltzman and Tucker Saltzman. A Memorial service celebrating Stephen's life will be held Friday, June 26th 2015 at 1:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Remembrances in Stephen's name can be made to the Christine Biggins Courage Scholarship Fund, c/o Rockland Trust Company, 288 Union St. Rockland MA, 02370 or the ALS Association, http://www.alsa.org/about-als/