Joseph Shure—a member of the LGBT-affirming Congregation Or Chadash in Chicago for more than three decades and a veteran of World War II—passed away Dec. 30, 2014, at the age of 89.
"He was very much involved with the arts," Or Chadash Rabbi Emeritus Laurence L. Edwards, Ph.D., told Windy City Times. "He was an art collector and a music, opera and theater enthusiast."
Edwards added that Shure donated a significant portion of his collection to the University of Chicago's Smart Museum, where he was a volunteer docent. In creating Shore's eulogy, Edwards reached out to a number of Or Chadash members for their memories of a man who was "so much a part of our lives" both within and outside of the congregation.
"He was one of the most gracious persons I have met," member Carol Goldbaum told Edwards. "He reminded me of some of the gentlemen from earlier generations who were kind and attentive and curious."
"[His] art collection was stunning," member Roger Pines added. "For all the years he worked, he collected—carefully and lovingly—modern prints, signed by the artists. It was, to me, a moving example of how a person of modest means can, over many years, gradually put together a significant collection."
Edwards noted that Shure was a member of the US Army Signal Corps serving in Europe during World War II. "He had a winning smile," Edwards said. "He was a loving brother and uncle."
Shure is survived by sisters Helaine Woloshin and Beverly Sherman as well as nephews David Woloshin and Alan Sherman and nieces Diane Woloshin, Janet Sherman and Nancy Sherman.
Funeral services was slated to be held Jan. 2 at 1:30 p.m. at Westlawn Cemetery 7801 West Montrose Ave., Norridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Congregation Or Chadash 5959 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660.
