Obituary of Harvey David Nudelman

HARVEY NUDELMAN, formerly of Tulsa, OK, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nev., after a short illness. He was 74. Harvey was an influential leader in the textile industry for more than 50 years. He most recently served as president of Fabricut Inc., overseeing the sales for its hospitality divisions, Fabricut Contract and S. Harris Contract. Born in Chicago, Ill., on December 26, 1938, Harvey attended Michigan State University's Hotel and Restaurant Management School and graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. He began his textile career in Chicago in 1961 as a salesman for Tempo Fabrics and later was the owner/partner of Westport Fabrics in Kansas City. In 1968, he moved to California and joined Fabricut Inc., as vice president of sales focusing on residential and hospitality sales. Harvey was then promoted to president of Fabricut Inc., in 1979, and shortly after moved to Fabricut's corporate headquarters in Tulsa, Okla. From 1980-2004, he worked alongside the Finer and Guterman families helping to steer the company through significant growth, acquisitions, and industry challenges and opportunities. In 2004, Harvey and his wife, Laura, moved to Las Vegas. He maintained offices in both Las Vegas and Tulsa, and specialized in hospitality sales until the time of his death. Throughout his 45 years with Fabricut Inc., Harvey served as a mentor to many current industry leaders and associates. He was an active member of Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) as a corporate sponsor, scholarship advocate and contributor. Harvey also helped jump start NEWH's School from the Heart campaign to raise money for UNICEF's School-in-a-Box program. In 2011, NEWH honored Harvey with its most prestigious award, Icon of the Industry, which celebrates leaders in hospitality and individuals who uniquely impacted the industry through their innovative work and industry outreach through education and corporate giving. Harvey is survived by his wife Laura; son Ken and his wife Karla; daughter Jennifer and her husband Jonathan; grandson Ozzy; and beloved canine Carmine. A service of remembrance will take place at Congregation B'nai Emunah (1719 S. Owasso Avenue, Tulsa, Okla.) on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. The Nudelman family has asked that charitable donations be made in Harvey's name to: American Cancer Society 1325 East Harmon Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 (702) 798-6877 Heaven Can Wait Society (Animal Rescue) 546 North Eastern Avenue, Suite 175 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 (702) 227-555