by PHOENIX, Ariz. — Arnold Hershbain, the co-founder and co-chairman of bedding resource Purecare, died on July 8 at age 77.
Born in New York City in 1946, Hershbain’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to a 45-year career in the specialty sleep industry. He joined Fabrictech, now Purecare, in the early 2000s where he was one of the key foundational members of the family-owned and -operated business, serving as chief executive officer and co-chairman of the board. His leadership and innovative approach were described as “instrumental in shaping the company into the industry leader it is today.”
“Arnold was a true mensch. He always had his arms open to help. He was a great partner and dear friend,” said Jeff Bergman, Purecare chairman. “Little did we know when we became partners in Purecare that our grandfathers owned corner stores across from each other in the Bronx when we were kids! Many years later we laughed about stealing candy and fruit from the stores. I will miss him terribly. I admired his strength and tenacity fighting this awful illness. There is a hole in our company today.”
In addition to his leadership at Purecare, Hershbain was a dedicated philanthropist and tireless advocate in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a cause near to the company’s heart after losing Fabrictech founder, Sam Chase, to pancreatic cancer in 2007. Following Hershbain’s example, Purecare has remained a significant supporter of the Seena Magowitz Foundation helping to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. Hershbain connected friends diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to top specialists, helping to extend their lives and providing invaluable support.
“Arny, as we called him, was a special guy, a true mensch. I loved his spirit. He was not just a supporter but an ambassador for our cause,” said Roger Magowitz, founder of the Seena Magowitz Foundation.
Hershbain was a resident of Hawthorne, New Jersey, for the past 17 years with his wife, Sharon. He was known for his passion for golf and fishing, as well as his commitment to charitable causes. Above all else, his devotion to his family and friends was his greatest joy.
In addition to his wife, Hershbain is survived by his children, David Hershbain and Emily Ragone (Lou); grandchildren, Louis James and Alaina Sophia; and his sister, Debbie Siegel (Louis). In lieu of flowers, the family and Purecare request that memorial donations be made in his honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Seena Magowitz Foundation.
