Harvey Potashman
November 23, 1938 - June 26, 2025

HARVEY POTASHMAN, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on November 23, 1938, to Rose and Meyer Potashman, Harvey began his career working alongside his father at the family grocery store, Meyer's Market. In 1978, he and his brother, Jerome "Manny" Meyers, opened the first location of The Food Gallery, the first specialty foods supermarket in the Pittsburgh area. The business grew to five stores over the course of his career.

Together with his beloved wife, Anita-who passed away in 1997-Harvey was a pillar of the Jewish community. As devoted members of Beth El Congregation, Harvey and Anita gave generously of their time and hearts. Their home was a center of hospitality, and their quiet leadership shaped synagogue life, Jewish education, Israel Bonds, and many other charitable efforts.

Harvey was the beloved brother of the late Sylvia Iwler and Jerome Meyers. He is survived by his children: Ilene (Steven) Cohen, Cheryl (Miles) Kirshner, and Meyer (Michele) Potashman; and by his grandchildren: Daniel Cohen, Michal Cohen (Jordan Gibbs), Alex Kirshner (Molly Ellison), Joel Kirshner (Christina Im), Hannan Potashman, and Amiel Potashman.

Funeral will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Beth El Congregation of the South Hills. No prior visitation. Interment Poale Zedeck Memorial Park Cemetery. The family welcomes donations to the Helene Weinstein Fund at Beth El Congregation.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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We are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Harvey Z”L fondly. A warm, kind, generous and a loving family man. "May his memory be a blessing" "Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'tokh sh'ar aveilei tziyon vi'Yerushalayim," - "May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem". ברוך דיין האמת Hugs Uri and Hagit

By Uri and Hagit Lifshitz - June 27, 2025

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Ilene, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very kind man. I remember your mom and dad so fondly. Both of my brothers worked for your dads store, the Food Gallery and loved it.! Sending hugs to you and the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

By Cheryl Benson Kaufman - June 27, 2025

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So sorry for your loss.

By Peter Rosenthal - June 27, 2025

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I loved my Uncle Harvey. It made him laugh that at my age I still called him Uncle Harvey. After my mom died, his sister Syl, he’d call me every week. We developed a bond. Weekly calls that he made or I made connecting us for eternity. I’ll miss him and our conversations and that he made me feel family love that you miss as the family members age and leave us. I hope they are all waiting for us on the other side. I know my Aunt Anita was waiting for him with open arms. See you later Uncle Harvey. All my love your niece Susie

By Susan iwler - June 26, 2025

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