Robert Mazer
Robert R. Mazer (August 11, 1923 - October 18, 2013) was an American industrialist, philanthropist, and longtime owner of the Chicago White Sox.[1] At the time of his death, he was the largest single shareholder of the team, but was not part of the Jerry Reinsdorf-led investment group that holds a controlling interest in the team. As notable patrons of a number of American Jewish community and political organizations, Mazer and his wife gifted millions of dollars to groups including the Jewish United Fund, World ORT, and AIPAC.[2]
Life and career
Mazer was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a Jewish family of Russian descent. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and majored in chemical engineering. During World War II, he served in the Navy as an electrical technician at the Great Lakes Naval Center.[1]
Mazer founded Mazer Chemicals, Inc—a company specializing in the commercial production of emulsifiers and surfactants. Over time, he expanded the business considerably, turning it into a 250-employee company with offices in Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In 1986, he sold the company to PPG Industries for an undisclosed price. Mazer used the money from the sale to realize his lifelong dream of owning a professional baseball team. He purchased a considerable ownership interest in the Chicago White Sox in 1988 and became the largest shareholder with a permanent seat on the team's Board of Directors.[1][3]