FRANKEL, Benjamin
Benjamin Frankel, formerly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, resided and died in Jupiter, Florida June 3, 2014 The son of Ephraim Jay and Zerline Topkis Frankel, Ben was born June 21, 1932 in Wilmington, Delaware. He grew up in Lower Merion and graduated from Lower Merion High School. In 1954, Ben graduated with honors from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. With his brothers, Leonard and William, Ben expanded EJ Frankel Enterprises into a large real estate development company which was founded by his father in the mid 1930's. In Philadelphia they built Parkway House, William Penn House, Kennedy House, 220 West Rittenhouse Square, The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Building at 1845 Walnut Street, The Hilton Hotel at 34th and Civic Center Boulevard and the Oakhill Apartment Complex in Gladwyne. They bought and renovated the Wellington apartments and the Warwick Hotel in Center City. In addition, the company developed buildings in Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida. In 1968 they built the 1162 unit Roney Plaza in Miami Beach. At the time of construction, it was the largest apartment building in the world under one roof. Ben's proudest achievements were Boca Lago, Hunters Run, and Admirals Cove, three golf course communities he developed in Florida with his brother Leonard and his nephew Thomas. A man of principal and integrity, Ben supported a variety of charities in both Pennsylvania and Florida. In Philadelphia he was a former trustee of Congregation Rodeph Shalom and a former member of the Board of Philmont Country Club. Ben will be mourned and missed by his beloved wife of 59 years Linda (Leventon), his devoted daughters Jane Frankel (Mathew), Gerry Frankel, Jennifer Zobl (Mark), and his adoring grandchildren Max, Zachary, and EJ Frankel, Lauren and Timothy Zobl. He is survived by his brother William, eight nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his brother Leonard. A memorial service will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 N Broad Street, Philadelphia on Sunday June 8th at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Rodeph Shalom or the charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons (
www.levinefuneral.com)
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