Bernard Feldman

BOYNTON BEACH, FLA.—Colleagues and competitors describe him as the quintessential businessman—charismatic, sincere, honest and caring, a blueprint for success. His 73 years in the floor covering industry included 53 as a premier retailer. A nonagenarian, his youthful demeanor and infectious smile belied his age and his work ethic defied it. Budd Feldman loved his industry and his job and was active until the day he died, Jan. 31, of a massive heart attack at his home here. He was 92. He lived in New York City and spent winter months at his home in Florida.

Born Bernard Feldman on May 2, 1915, in Brooklyn, he attended local schools and graduated from McBurney High School. In 1934, he attended Rutgers University and after two months had to withdraw to help his father in his struggling floor covering business, Security Floors, which sold carpet and linoleum and provided a carpet cleaning service. His career was disrupted in 1942, when he joined the Merchant Marines and served until his discharge in 1945. When he left military service, he returned to the floor covering industry and held several jobs, but he yearned to use his entrepreneurial skills and in 1946, founded Budd Looms, a unique designer showroom, that catered to the residential and contract markets.

Feldman developed a sterling reputation and the business prospered. The showroom was opened on Madison Ave., later moved to 56th St. and 8th Ave., and when a fire destroyed the showroom, he moved it to East 61st St., where he worked until he closed the business in 1999 at age 84. He did not retire, he merely left the daily regimen of retailing, though he continued to sell carpet and be a consultant until the end of his life. He was a magnetic salesman, and his wonderful sense of humor was his calling card.

He was defined by his passion and his humanity and by the profound effect he had on people around him. “I always felt honored and privileged to work alongside him for more than 35 years,” said his son, Peter Feldman. “He had a zest for life, he loved his family and he had a positive and lasting influence on those who were fortunate enough to have met him. He was my confidante, mentor and best friend.”

In addition to his son, Peter, who is the CEO of Prestige Mills, survivors include a daughter, Marcia Goldberger of Great Neck, N.Y.; five grandsons; eight great grandchildren, and his companion of 17 years, Gloria Simon. He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie “Midge” Feldman in 1986, and his daughter, Judith Feldman Zager in 1975.