Zev Karkomi

Karkomi, Zev 85, of Chicago, passed away in September 2009. Zev was born in the Ukraine and escaped the horrors of WWII to Eretz Yisrael in 1941. Zev was a proud participant in Israel's fight for independence as a member of the Hagana and later served as a Capt. in the IDF until 1958. Zev immigrated to Chicago in 1960, He was the founder of AVIV Asset Management, one of the country's largest privately held owners of nursing home facilities, and was also an immensely succussfull owner and developer of general real estate. Zev was a substantial supporter of the Friends of the IDF, AIPAC, YisraeLink, and the Illinois Holocaust Musuem amongst many others. Zev was a devoted son to the late Shlomo and Rose Zafran, and a dear brother to the late Shmuel, Chaim, and Moshe Zafran. Zev's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife of 62 years Shifra (nee Melamed), his loving daughters Vicki Karkomi and Suzie Karkomi (Judge Marvin Leavitt), his cherished grandson Ari Ryan and his devoted cousin Zeev (Ela) Bendavid.