Milwaukee Bucks co-founder Marvin Lee Fishman died Oct. 9 as the result of a stroke. He was 84.
The Fox Point resident helped raise funds to bring the Bucks to Milwaukee in 1968. Three years later, with the help of Lew Alcindor (later named Kareem Abdul Jabbar), the Bucks won the NBA title.
A Milwaukee native, Fishman graduated from North Division High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He was later awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Cardinal Stritch University.
In 1952, Fishman started a real estate company. He later focused on developing subdivisions.
Aside from his involvement with the Bucks, Fishman was perhaps best known locally as an art collector. His collection, which particularly focused on 20th-century German art, traveled throughout the United States and Europe. He and his wife, Janet Fishman (nee Baum), donated works of art to numerous Milwaukee-based and Wisconsin institutions, the Journal Sentinel reported.
He served on the board of directors of the Milwaukee Art Museum and was involved with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. According to his daughter, Leslie (Jeffrey) Hayes of Whitefish Bay, he loved jazz music.
A member of Congregation Sinai, Fishman served on the synagogue’s board of directors.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by son Mark Fishman of Paris, daughter Susan Fishman of St. Louis, Mo., brother Max Fishman of Milwaukee and four grandchildren.
Burial was Oct. 12 in Spring Hill Cemetery. Rabbi David Cohen officiated. Goodman Bensman Funeral Services handled funeral arrangements.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Penfield Children’s Center, 833 North 26th St., %u2028Milwaukee, Wis. 53233.
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