July 11, 2002

Eulogies:Irv Kaze

KRLA Sportscaster,Dies at 75

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Irv Kaze, a KRLA Sportscaster and longtime sports executive, died suddenly from a heart attack Saturday, June 29, at the age of 75. That morning, Kaze had attended services at the Congregation Ohev Shalom, where he was a longtime active member.

Kaze was an inductee and board member of the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and a supporter of the Jewish Home for the Aging and B'nai Brith.

After his father died when Kaze was 9, he was raised by his mother and grandfather, an Orthodox mohel and shochet (ritual slaughterer) in Jersey City. Kaze, who through his career worked for the Angels, George Steinbrenner's champion Yankees, and the Super Bowl-winning Raiders, sought out shuls on all his travels. He was remembered by the sports community and the Jewish community as a gentlemanly and cheerful friend, capable of bringing people together.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Benjie; stepsons, Stuart and Stephen Grossman; two grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren.

Donations in memory of Irv Kaze may be sent to the Irv Kaze Memorial Sanctuary Fund, Ohev Shalom Congregation, 525 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 or to the Jewish Home for the Aging, 7150 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA 91335. -- Julie Gruenbaum Fax, Religion Editor