Benjamin C. Altschul

HAMILTON, N.Y. – Benjamin C. Altschul, 89, passed away just days prior to his 90th birthday on May 6, 2024 at home in Hamilton, N.Y.

Born in Norfolk, he was the youngest child and only son of the late Ethel Kark and Sylvian Altschul.

Ben attended Norfolk Academy and graduated from Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn. He graduated from University of Virginia in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce. At UVA, in addition to being a proud member of Zeta Beta Tau, Ben was in the ROTC program. Upon graduation, Ben was commissioned in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He left the Reserves as a Captain.

For several years after his military service, Ben worked in New York City at Stern’s Department Store. It wasn’t long, however, before he returned to his beloved Norfolk to work with his father and Uncle Herbert Altschul in Altschul’s Department Store in Downtown Norfolk.

Ben later developed an interest in real estate development and management, establishing Ben Altschul Realtor, which primarily focused on the area surrounding Old Dominion University. This became his career for more than 50 years. During this time, Ben was a member of the Norfolk Board of Realtors.

Ben’s childhood was spent around the water – both at his home in Norfolk and during summers in Virginia Beach. His great love of sailing and time spent on the Chesapeake Bay can be traced to those youthful years. Not to be ignored, the spring and fall months were when Ben spent time at his second love, the Blue Ridge Mountains, not far from his alma matter.

Ben was a life-time member of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk where he served on the board of directors as chair of the house committee for many years.

Known for his warm smile, soft-spoken manner, and healthy lifestyle, Ben rarely missed a day at the gym.

For more than 47 years, Ben was married to the love of his life, Candace Louise Summers. Together they travelled, worked, created artful homes, took long walks at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and generously and graciously hosted friends at home for dinners with always delicious food and lively conversation.

In addition to Ben’s parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Wendy Altschul Rolland.

Ben is remembered with love by his many friends and family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private service will take place at a later date.

Contributions in Ben’s memory may be sent to MADD or a charity of the donor’s choice.