Ira Jacob Steinmetz's Obituary
Ira Jacob Steinmetz,90 years old, passed away July 7, 2026. He was born March 31,1936 to Gisele and Nathan Steinmetz. He was born in Czechoslavakia and emigrated to New York. He graduated from Rabbi Jacob Joseph High School where he served as captain of the basketball team scoring over 50 points on one occasion. He then proceeded to Yeshiva University where he also served as captain of the basketball team. He married Donna Katz and they remained happily married for 66 years. They had 3 children-Dennis, Scott, and Stacey. He served in the Air National Guard and Air Force being stationed at Homestead. He started his career as an executive director at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center and was rapidly promoted to assistant director of all Miami centers. He then moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as director as well as director of the Jewish Federation. He was instrumental in bringing in the Maccabia games as well as fighting for Soviet Jewry. His next stop was New York where he served as executive vice president of Associated YMHA'S of New York and completed his career in St. Louis as director of the Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation. He retired to Del Ray before settling in Boca Raton. He gave of his time generously, often counselling troubled youth. He was a true sports fanatic and travelled extensively. He will truly be missed.
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