Stephen Braude obituary

Stephen Braude, president of Braude Brothers Tanning Corp, Woburn, USA, from 1954-1985, died on May 3, 2007, in Palm Beach, Florida. Stephen Emanuel Braude of Boston, USA, was born in 1923 and raised in Paris, France. He was schooled in England until 1940 when he and his family left France for the United States to escape from the oncoming German occupation. Upon arrival Stephen joined the US Army and served overseas as a Captain in Army Counter Intelligence. He served his country with valour, landing on Omaha Beach, D-Day, uncovered a plot to assassinate Charles de Gaulle and participated in the liberation of Auschwitz and other camps while collecting evidence to be used for the prosecution of Nazi criminals. Following the war, Stephen graduated from Columbia University in New York while working with his father at Ephraim Braude Leather. After his father's death in 1952, he became president. In 1954, Stephen moved the business to the Boston area as Braude Brothers Tanning Corp. Stephen was an innovator in the field and was best known for his creation of 'Tortoise Shell Patent Leather'. This became the fashion rage in the 60s and was the staple item for all the rock stars and fashionistas at the time. The business successfully served to supply the shoe, handbag and belt business in the USA and Europe for over 30 years at which time Stephen retired and dedicated his time to philanthropic endeavours. Steve (as he was known to his friends) was regarded as 'the perfect gentleman'. Steve devoured the daily newspapers and topical books with the appetite of a scholar. He was never lacking in opinion or cogent evaluation of world leaders. Most of all, he will be remembered for his devotion to family, his keen sense of humour and the warmth and compassion he always conveyed to his friends.