Florence Beatrice Spungen

Florence Spungen
1928 – 2012

Florence Spungen had the vision to create a Foundation which focused on issues of importance to the Jewish community, including the prevention and treatment of health related issues. Florence was raised in a deeply rooted religious Jewish family from Staten Island, New York, where her passion for Jewish causes was nurtured and always close to the surface.

Florence always knew the importance of education. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and master’s degree in Education from Hunter College in New York. This accomplishment required taking a bus, ferry, and 3 trains to attend.

While taking courses toward her Ph.D in Administration and Supervision at Rutgers University, she met Larry Spungen and moved to Chicago to raise her family. Florence’s fiscal expertise was demonstrated in her ongoing zealousness for investments, including organizing and developing numerous investment clubs. She continued to be actively involved in her personal financial endeavors as well as the financial management of the Foundation up until her death. Florence and Laurence together raised four children who continue to be active Trustees of the Foundation.

Laurence W. Spungen

Laurence Spungen
1930 – 2014

Laurence Spungen’s drive for success began on the track and field team at Marshall High School in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1952 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Along with his father, Nathan, and brother, Kenneth, he built a small ball bearing surplus company (on the South Side of Chicago) into a multi-national third generation manufacturing and distribution corporation of industrial products related to the bearing and chain industry. He donated generously to establish the foundation. Laurence’s enthusiasm for life did not end with business–he also devoted himself to acting in community theatre and a “frustrating” game of golf.