Ron Avis, founding chair of the Chai Society of Wagner College, and an early, enthusiastic supporter of the college’s Holocaust Center, died Wednesday, Feb. 5.
A Staten Island dentist, second of a third generation in practice here, Dr. Avis. founded the Chai Society in 2004 to help to improve Jewish life on campus, attract more Jewish students and build ties between the Staten Island Jewish community and Wagner.
His advice as well as his financial generosity inspired many initiatives that his son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Kim, built upon and developed into the Holocaust Center as well as Hillel of Staten Island.
“I never had the honor of meeting Dr. Avis, but I have experienced his legacy at Wagner College,” said college President Jeffrey Doggett. “I am proud that we are one of the few U.S. campuses to host a Holocaust Center, and proud that we continue to stand for the dignity of all people and against antisemitism and all forms of hatred.”
Dr. Avis was also a key mentor and long-time supporter of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, including by sponsoring the Ron and Nancy Avis South Shore building in the 1980s and the Ron and Nancy Avis Fitness Center, and of The Staten Island Academy. The Avis Foundation has also supported dozens of new, young families at Temple Israel of Staten Island.
“Each time I would meet with students in the Hillel lounge, we would point to the names Ron and Nancy Avis on the door. Our Jewish youth and their friends of all backgrounds could be proud to celebrate their traditions and enhance their sense of community, thanks to their generosity,” said Lori Weintrob, director of Wagner’s Holocaust Center. “Ron Avis was a mentor and an inspiration. We are grateful for what he gave to the youth at Wagner College and throughout the borough and country.”
Dr. Avis is also survived by his children Cathy Fischberg and Susan Fishler, their spouses Bruce Fischberg and Peter Farmer, and his grandchildren Sydney, Samantha and Morgan Avis, Lauren Reiser (husband Eric), Max, Brody, Hallie Cohn (husband Michael), Harper, Remi and Stacey Fishler, Jamie Lemle (husband Cliff Lemle), Charlie and Maddie.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, Feb. 7.
