Benjamin Furman, 80

CENTERVILLE, Mass. — Benjamin Furman, 80, of Centerville and Delray Beach, Fla., died unexpectedly on April 8 in Florida.

He was the husband of Temma Furman. He lived in North Kingstown from 1953 to 1960, and in Warwick from 1960-1997, and spent his retirement in Florida and Cape Cod.

Formerly the owner of fabric chain H.I.M. Mills, in Cranston, North Kingstown and Newport during the 1960s and early ‘70s, he later worked for American Tourister Luggage and as an executive recruiter for Positions, Inc. He began his career in textiles as a principal in his father’s woolen manufacturing business, Allenton Mills, moving into retailing after that business ceased.

Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Miriam Silverman of Roslyn, N.Y., and Ivy Kolb of Barrington, and three grandchildren, Ilana Silverman and Jeffrey and Adam Kolb.

Mr. Furman was a lively, personable man who loved interacting with people, and enjoyed golfing, bridge, singing in the men’s chorus at his Florida condominium complex, and playing in the condo’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” He remained youthful all his life.

A founding member of Temple Beth Am (now Am David) in Warwick, R.I., Mr. Furman served as membership chairperson for several years. After he retired, he was a member of Cape Cod Synagogue in Hyannis, Mass