David N. Pincus
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Votes for David N. Pincus: 102
Tell us about your nominee. Why should he or she be recognized as a Jewish Community Hero?
The 82 year old retired clothing manufacturer is well-known for his impressive collection of modern-art, which he donates to many major museums. However, he has been largely incognito in his humanitarian efforts which have inspired him to travel to Ethiopia, Brazil, Somalia, Romania and other countries across the globe where people, particularly children, are suffering. His travels are sometimes in the company of one of his closest friends, Holocaust survivor Elie Weisel. He is the son of Jewish immigrants from what is now Belarus. His father and uncles founded Pincus Brothers-Maxwell, one of the menswear industries' largest manufacturers in 1911. Pincus and his older brother, Nat, took over the business in 1960 after their fathers' death. When Nat died at the age of 71, David Pincus created a foundation for cancer research at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in his memory.
What problem did your nominee identify in the community that needed to be solved? How has your nominee's efforts made a difference for others?
In addition to creating a foundation for cancer research to honor his brother, Pincus has created a fund to support local food banks. Other Philadelphia area recipients of his philanthropy include Lankenau Hospital, where his generous gift is enabling the expansion of its maternity ward to serve women from West Philadelphia, and the Community College of Philadelphia, to provide anonymous grants for students facing emergencies such as child-care crises or job losses. Pincus's love for children is behind his support of the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park and the playground in South Philadelphia recently opened by famed musician Kenny Gamble, which will be known as Uncle David's Universal Playground because of Pincus's generosity. Although he continues to collect art, Pincus rejoices in selling select pieces to finance his charitable interests. A Penn State alumnus, Pincus recently sold a Brice Marden painting to finance a new building for Penn State's Hillel Foundation for Jewish Life.
