Harry L Schlachter

Harry L. Shlachter (né Hershel Laib Szlachter), owner of Four Sons boys’ and men’s clothing store on Cedar and Green Roads, died April 6 at age 90. Mr. Shlachter previously operated Hal Slater’s men’s shops in Cleveland. After losing his father at age 14, Mr. Shlachter worked for his older brother and learned about the retail business from him. He opened his first store after high-school graduation with so little capital and inventory that he stacked the shelves with empty shirt boxes to create the illusion of abundant stock. He received merchandise across town from sympathetic West 6th St. wholesalers, as needed. Born in Poland, Mr. Shlachter was brought to Cleveland when he was 4 so that his family could escape the poverty and post-WW I violence. Unable to care for all their children, his parents placed him in an orphanage for more than a year. A graduate of Glenville High School, he attended Fenn College and served in the U.S. Army during WW II. Mr. Shlachter was a charter member of Temple Emanu El, maintaining his membership even after retiring to Delray Beach, Fla., at 65. In his retirement, he fulfilled his lifelong desire to travel by visiting Hawaii, India, Israel, Kenya and Europe, returning to his birthplace at age 83. Mr. Shlachter made a 3,400-mile road trip along the Lewis & Clark route from St. Louis to Portland, Ore., at age 89. An avid beekeeper for about ten years, he also loved to read. Mr. Shlachter was predeceased by his son Jay. He is survived by his wife Ruth (née Artz); sons Marc, Robert, and Barry; and seven grandchildren. Donations are suggested to the American Heart Association.