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TCATA Mourns Passing of Two Association Icons


The Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) mourns the passing of J. “Morry” Friedlander and Lester Cohen, members who made great contributions to the Association and the industry.

J. “Morry” Friedlander was very active in the Association for many years, going back to the late 1950’s. He served on numerous committees, on the board of directors, and was active in the formation of the “Young Timers” dinner party and the Silver Circle Luncheons, both events at the annual conference. He served as president of the Association from 1965-66.

Friedlander’s involvement and contributions to TCATA and the industry were so significant that the Association’s board of directors established the J. Morry Friedlander Award in 1994. The award recognizes those individuals who have shown outstanding dedication and service to the Association. Friedlander was the first recipient, and only five members have since received this award.

Lester Cohen ran Cleaners Sales and Equipment Corporation in Brooklyn for 42 years, a family business he joined upon returning from college. He made large contributions to the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) for many years. He and his wife Jo-Ann were a fixture at annual conventions since the early 1970’s.

Cohen served on many committees and on the board of directors for several terms, including as Treasurer for over a decade. He also served for many years on the site selection committee, making recommendations for future conference locations, and often recruited companies for membership in TCATA. In recognition of his enormous contributions to TCATA, he was awarded the J. Morry Friedlander Award, the Association’s highest honor.

TCATA has contributed to its college scholarship fund in memory of both Friedlander and Cohen.