Marvin Itts

 The son of Russian immigrants, Marvin Itts was born in Youngstown June 15, 1913. As an adult, Itts’ business sense led him to found the Saramar Aluminum Company in 1938.  He also worked in the  real estate market in both Youngstown and Warren. Along with his business ventures, he also proved to be an outstanding community leader.

Itts was very active in the Youngstown community. In 1972, he was chairman for the Mahoning County Hear Fund Drive. He also served on the boards of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the Einstein College of Medicine, and spent twenty-five years on the board of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Medical Center. Itts was a lifelong member of the Friends of Brandeis University and helped establish both the Youngstown Jewish Community Center and Heritage Manor. Itts served as president of several organizations including the first of Heritage Manor, the Jewish Federation of Youngstown, the Youngstown Lodge of B’nai B’rith, and Anshe Emeth Temple. His service also extended to include many community organizations unrelated to his faith. Itts served the Mahoning Community College, Youngstown Symphony Society, the Anti- Defamation League, and Associated Hospital Services.   

For his community activities, Itts was recognized with several awards and honors. In 1967 he was awarded the Seminary’s National Community Award and in 1973 the Louis Marshall Memorial Medal from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America for his service to the faith. A year later he received the B’nai B’rith’s Guardian of the Menorah Award. Marvin Itts died August 10, 1978 leaving his wife Sara and three children, Robert, Marilyn, and Phyllis.[1]  

 Marvin Itts photograph by Ardmore Studio FLA. MVHS Collection

Rabbi Dr. Azneer, Marvin Itts, Cantor Ernie Gottesman and 2 others. Acc. No. JA92-560P-121, MVHS Collection.

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