Melvin B. Raskin

Longtime Milwaukee businessman Melvin B. Raskin died of renal failure May 31 in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 80.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 22, 3 p.m., at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun.

Born in Milwaukee, he graduated from North Division High School in 1940. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with distinction and receiving commendations that included the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. As a bombardier/navigator, he flew 29 missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force. His task as a member of the lead plane for air raids was to scout the enemy and draw fire to help reveal the positions of anti-aircraft batteries.

After his discharge at the rank of captain, he enrolled at the University of Michigan and then at the Detroit College of Law. He began his entrepreneurial career selling sandwiches to students.

After marrying his college sweetheart, Rae Rafales, in 1949, he returned to Milwaukee and entered the family business with his parents, Anna and Benjamin Raskin. Shortly thereafter, he began building low-cost housing developments in Milwaukee and Racine.

By the 1960s, he had established a chain of broadcast schools housed in radio stations. Later, he entered the beauty school and salon business, eventually owning 27 schools in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Tennessee.

Recognized for his business achievements, he was appointed to the Cosmetology Accrediting Commission and served on various Wisconsin advisory boards. In 1980, his son Keith joined him in the IBA Beauty Schools.

According to his family, he was a “risk taker with a flair. He engaged various celebrities, including Arlene Francis and Hugh Downs, to promote his vocational schools and Miss America Pageant emcee Bert Parks to judge hairstyle contests.”

Throughout the ’80s, he continued as a real estate developer and enhanced his vocational education business with the addition of nail technology schools. Following the death of his first wife in 1990, he sold his business and retired to Florida.

He is survived by his second wife, Roberta Smith of Boca Raton; son Keith (Sally) Raskin of Milwaukee; daughter Patti (Barry) Levenson of Madison; brother Marcus (Lynn) Raskin of Washington, D.C.; and three grandchildren.

Donations to Hospice By the Sea, 1531 Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33486, would be appreciated by the family.