Erwin Zaban

Temple Members

(1921 - 2010)

After leaving school, Erwin Zaban started work in his parents company, Zep Manufacturing Company, at the age of 15. Zep later merged with National Linen and became National Service Industries (NSI), a Fortune 500 Company. NSI’s corporate board included top executives at major Atlanta and Southeastern companies including Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Wachovia, H.J. Russell & Co. Zaban retired for the second and final time in 1994 and turned his attention and energy to philanthropic endeavors.

Hailed as the “Godfather of the Jewish community” by longtime friend and business associate Harry Maziar, Zaban helped create a shelter for homeless couples at The Temple. He donated and raised money for undeveloped pastureland in Dunwoody that became what is now Zaban Park, home of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. He also contributed funds toward the Jewish Home, for which the Zaban Tower is named. In the early 1980s, the Temple required significant building upgrades, and Erwin Zaban helped launch a $3 million fund raising campaign.

“He was a philanthropist both for the Jewish and non-Jewish communities and really set the bar on what it means to give of yourself. He’s been an inspiration to so many other philanthropists,” explained Rabbi Alvin Sugarman.