Harry T. “Buzzie” Schukar, who had a distinguished career in the jewelry business and was active in leadership roles in several Jewish and general organizations, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017. He was 84 and had been in declining health in recent months.

Harry Teddy Schukar was born in St. Louis on May 11, 1933, the son of the late Samuel and Dorothy Becker Schukar. He was a 1951 graduate of Soldan High School and a 1955 graduate of Washington University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. At the university he was a president of the Student Senate and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel in ROTC.

He was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national men’s leadership honorary society. He was elected a member of Thurtene, an honorary committee for college juniors. He was a lifelong member of the Eliot Society and a committed alumnus of the university.

Mr. Schukar had a long, eminent career in the jewelry industry, culminating in the position of the Loose Diamond Division of industry leader Harry Winston. Mr. Schukar also was a member of the prestigious 24 Karat Club in New York City and Dallas.

Mr. Schukar was passionately dedicated to numerous Jewish causes. He held leadership positions with Jewish Hospital; the Jewish Center for Aged; the Jewish Federation, where he helped establish the Leadership Development Council; United Hebrew Synagogue; American Jewish Committee; and the St. Louis Jewish Light. 

He was a past president of the Westwood Country Club and served on the board of the Fox Associates Foundation

Alice Handelman, former longtime community relations associate of the Jewish Center for Aged, recalls Mr. Schukar as “a consummate gentleman” who enjoyed chairing a JCA special event featuring a performance by comic Jackie Mason. 

Mr. Schukar’s many fine qualities were lovingly recalledat his funeral service last Friday at Temple Emanuel, whereRabbi Emeritus Joseph R. Rosenbloom officiated. 

Rosenbloom, a longtime friend of Mr. Schukar,said, “I know that Buzzie is looking down on all of you who came here to share your sorrow at his loss and admiration for his remarkable life.” 

Also speaking at the service was Harvey Harris, a longtime friend and golfing partner of Mr. Schukar, who described him as “a knight worthy of King Arthur’sRound Table, as the first knight of courtesy and courage.”

Mr. Schukar’s son Doug spoke at length of his father’s role as a beloved husband to his mother, Barbara; father to him, his sisters Susan and Kathryn; and as a beloved grandfather. 

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Barbara Lipson Schukar; daughters Susan (Gregg) Berdy and Kathryn (Terry) Bader and son Douglas (Laura) Schukar; and six grandchildren. 

After the funeral, entombment was at New Mount Sinai Cemetery.

Memorial contributions preferred to Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital, Scholar Emergency Room Endowed Fund, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, Mo. 63110.