Robert M. Kushnir of Colorado Springs passed away Nov. 4, 2009, in Colorado Springs. Rabbi Mel Glazer officiated at the Nov. 6 graveside service at BNai Israel cemetery in the Springs. Swan Funeral Home made the arrangements.
Mr. Kushnir was born Dec. 5, 1922, in Pueblo. He graduated from Central High School and studied optometry at Pueblo Junior College.
During WW II, he served as a navigator with the US Air Force.
Mr. Kushnir married Arlene Lenef during the war years. After WW II, they settled in Berkely, Calif., in order for him to continue his optician studies.
They returned to Colorado Springs, where Mr. Kushnir joined his in-laws junk business.
In the 1950s, Mr. Kushnir partnered with his brother David in a used auto parts company in South Nevada.
He worked in the family junk business from the 1960s until 1984, when his wife passed away.
A tennis player, Mr. Kushnir played regularly into the 1990s. He also enjoyed his weekly poker game and photography.
He belonged to BNai Israel, now Temple Shalom, for many years.
Mr. Kushnir is survived by his sons Steven Gary (Dr. Barbara) Kushnir of Heufeld, Germany, and Mark (Dr. Tomiko) Kushnir of Stoney Brook, NY; and grandsons Max and Benno, who live in Germany.
Contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
