Oscar Feldman obit

Pistons Owner Oscar Feldman Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

Visionary Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 103

Oscar Feldman, whose remarkable life was dedicated to business innovation, philanthropy, and advancing future generations, passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 103. Born on August 18, 1921, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Oscar embodied resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to community. Growing up during the Great Depression, he found guidance and encouragement from neighbors and friends who nurtured his potential while his father and brother were busy managing the family’s used furniture store. This early experience of collective care deeply influenced his life, inspiring him to uplift others in return.

A Journey of Service and Leadership

Oscar graduated from high school during the Great Depression and attended the University of Michigan on an ROTC scholarship, a transformative opportunity that set the course for his life and informed his lifelong relationship with the University. At Michigan, he pursued his love for music as a trumpeter in the university’s bands. However, World War II interrupted his studies, and Oscar served as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, commanding battalions in the European theater. His leadership during the war was marked by fairness and dignity, qualities that he carried into all aspects of his life.

After the war, Oscar completed his MBA at Michigan and earned a JD from Columbia University. His career began in tax law, but a call from his college friend, Bill Davidson, brought him back to Michigan to assist with a struggling family business. Together, they transformed Guardian Industries into a thriving enterprise, cementing a partnership built on mutual trust and vision.

Oscar’s influence extended into professional sports as a co-owner and general manager of the Detroit Pistons. His leadership helped turn the franchise into an NBA powerhouse, culminating in championships in 1989, 1990, and 2004. That same year, under his and Davidson’s stewardship, the Detroit Shock (WNBA) and Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) also won championships. Oscar’s contributions earned him induction into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Despite these demanding roles, he continued to practice law and advise clients across various industries.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Impact

Oscar’s success was matched only by his generosity. He was deeply committed to giving back, championing education, the arts, and social equity. His leadership extended to the Detroit Medical Center, the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, and the William Davidson Foundation, among other organizations.

A passionate advocate for preserving Jewish heritage and supporting the State of Israel, Oscar devoted himself to strengthening Jewish communities locally and globally. He credited his formative years at the University of Michigan for much of his success and gave generously to expand scholarship opportunities for underserved students.

Oscar often reflected on the importance of collaboration and investing in causes that uplift others, a philosophy he described in his oral history interview with the Center for Michigan Jewish Heritage. “It’s been a rewarding journey,” he remarked. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

A Life Well-Lived

Oscar is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dede; their children, Margot Kaplan and Richard Feldman; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. His family continues to uphold the values he cherished: compassion, purpose, and a commitment to the betterment of society. His family treasures the many gifts of his extraordinary life and hopes his memory will be a blessing to all who were touched by his kindness and generosity. May Oscar Feldman’s memory be a source of inspiration and blessing to all who knew him.

Feldman was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on August 18, 1921. He enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1939, where he met his future business partner, Bill Davidson. He served in the United States Army during World War II and after the war, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Michigan and a law degree from the Columbia Law School. After graduating, he taught at Columbia for one year then worked for the Internal Revenue Service in the office of the chief counsel. In 1951, Feldman returned to Michigan, where he purchased a pharmaceutical company with Davidson and taught law at Wayne State University. He took over his father-in-law's law practice following his sudden death and served as a legal counsel for Guardian Industries, which was run by Davidson.

On July 29, 1974, Davidson, Feldman, and nine other partners purchased the Detroit Pistons from Fred Zollner for $8.1 million. General manager Ed Coil agreed to stay with the team for one year following the sale and when he departed on July 1, 1975, Feldman succeeded him as general manager. On January 26, 1976, Feldman fired the team's then-winningest coach, Ray Scott due to his poor "rapport with the entire organization". The Pistons, who had gone 17–25 under Scott, went 19–21 under his replacement Herb Brown and made it to the Western Conference semifinals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

The Pistons selected Marvin Barnes in the 1976 ABA dispersal draft and after protracted negotiations, Feldman signed him to a $500,000-a-year contract. Soon after signing, Barnes was arrested for carrying a concealed handgun at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and, after the Pistons were eliminated from the playoffs, began serving a jail sentence for violating his probation. On May 25, 1977, Feldman stepped down as general manager in favor of his handpicked successor – Atlanta Hawks assistant GM and former Buffalo Braves All-Star Bob Kauffman. Feldman remained with the team as legal counsel and worked on the team's relocation from the Cobo Arena to the Pontiac Silverdome. Kauffman resigned for personal reasons at the end of the season and Feldman took over his duties. The Pistons went 30–52 and missed the playoffs in 1978–79 under new head coach Dick Vitale.

In the summer of 1979, Pistons forward M. L. Carr signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics. The two teams could not agree on compensation for Carr, with Vitale wanting Bob McAdoo and Celtics GM Red Auerbach wanting to send Curtis Rowe and another player to Detroit.[ The dispute ended when the Pistons agreed to trade two first round picks in 1980 NBA draft to the Celtics for McAdoo. The Pistons made another high-priced acquisition that same offseason by signing Jim McElroy. After the team got off to a 4–8 start, Feldman fired Vitale and named assistant coach Richie Adubato as his interim replacement. On December 11, 1979, the Pistons named Indiana Pacers assistant coach Jack McCloskey general manager, ending Feldman's run as head of basketball operations. Detroit finished the season with a league-worst 16–66 record, which gave the Celtics the top pick in the 1980 draft (Boston traded the pick to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Robert Parish and the #3 overall pick, which they used to select Kevin McHale).

Feldman remained with the Pistons as a minority owner until October 2009.

Those wishing to honor Oscar’s legacy are invited to donate to the following causes, which reflect his lifelong commitment to equity and education:

Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA holds special meaning for Dede and Oscar, providing educational programs for children and seniors while enriching Detroit’s cultural fabric. Gifts in his memory will help ensure that art continues to inspire the Greater Detroit community. Donate at https://dia.org/support/donate. When prompted, gifts can be made in memory of Oscar Feldman.

The Randolph School. Located in Oscar’s hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York, the Randolph School serves diverse families in the Hudson Valley. A fund established in celebration of Oscar’s 100th birthday continues to provide scholarships, ensuring equitable access to quality education for the next generation of visionary leaders. 

Chapel service Monday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park.