Newton, Mass.—Few people have spent as much time in the floor covering business as Mal Elfman, who worked 48 years as a distributor followed by 10 years as a retailer. His work ethic was impeccable and his dedication unwavering as his days stretched from 15 to 18 hours, often through weekends. He worked until last December, when he became ill and had to curtail much of his activities. His health gradually deteriorated and, on April 16, he died of heart failure in a local nursing home at the age of 81.

Elfman attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Business School and completed two years when he entered the Army during World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in an armored division as a tank driver. After his discharge from service, he returned to college and graduated in 1948 with a business degree. That same year, he joined his father’s business, Ben Elfman & Son, a floor covering distributor founded in 1907.

He succeeded his father as president of the company and ran it successfully for decades. Ben Elfman & Son was a leading New England wholesaler and was highly ranked nationally. However, several reversals impaired the company in the mid-’90s and he decided to close the business in 1996. And, in that same year, the unflappable Elfman, at age 71, opened a retail operation, Mal Elfman of Waltham, which prospered and grew to be a dominant store in the area. Until his health failed, he spent long days managing the business and its staff.

“He was a very consistent man, very dependable and always honest,” said his son, Richard (Rick), who had worked with his father for several years and now owns Flooring Solutions, Inc., in Livermore, Calif. “He was a respectful man, hardworking and a good provider. As a businessman, he was ethical and fair-minded. He understood employees and often helped them in matters beyond the scope of business.”

In addition to his son, Rick and his wife, Holly, of Alamo, Calif., survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helene; a daughter, Caren Silverman of Glastonbury, Conn., and four grandchildren, Adam and Todd Silverman, and Zachary and Hilary Elfman. Three older sisters predeceased him.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St. Watertowm, Mass. 02473, or to the Special Olympics, 150 Maple St., Danvers, Mass. 01923.