Sidney Eskenazi, the influential Indianapolis philanthropist and namesake of the city's downtown hospital, passed away at the age of 95. FOX59 reported that he died on Saturday, with his end coming just weeks after the passing of his wife, Lois Eskenazi.
The couple, known for their significant contributions to the community, made a transformative $40 million donation to establish the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital. Eskenazi Health lauded the donation as "one of the greatest philanthropic gifts ever given to the people of central Indiana, and one of the largest gifts ever made to a public hospital in the United States," according to a statement the organization issued. Widely respected for their generosity, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi's support was personal and rooted deeply to ensure to inspire others to support the hospital's mission, as per FOX59.
Contributing to his hometown in more ways than one, Eskenazi's impact extended into real estate with his company, Sandor Development Company, owning properties across 26 states. Eskenazi also invested in education, creating a scholarship program at Indiana University for "C" students, a 50-year legacy honoring the everyday student's potential, as mentioned in his obituary published by WIBC.
A man of resilience, Sidney began working at a young age after the death of his father to support his non-English speaking mother and two younger sisters. His life's journey took him from law school at Indiana University to collaborating with business partner Mel Simon in the development of K-Mart shopping centers, a venture he often considered the pinnacle of his professional life. He continued to actively work up until his final days, traveling between Indianapolis and his home office in Florida to remain engaged, according to WTHR.
The funeral is set for Thursday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, with interment to follow at Etz Chaim Cemetery. Sidney Eskenazi is survived by his children, Sandra Eskenazi, Dori Meyers (David), and David Eskenazi (Julie), his grandchildren, sister Daisy Stein, and numerous nieces and nephews.
