Boscov's Chairman Albert Boscov Dies at 87

Boscov’s CEO and Vice Chairman Jim Boscov said in a statement to the press that his uncle, Albert Boscov, died Friday of cancer at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Boscov’s was founded in Reading in 1914 by Albert's father, Solomon Boscov. Often described as a gentle giant, Albert acted as "a mentor to everyone," and a gentleman that put customers first. He was credited with driving the growth of the business to sales in excess of $1 billion and employing more than 7,500 people. He also stepped out of retirement during the national recession to help revive a business that was facing bankruptcy in 2008.

The department store chain's website lists 45 stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Jim Boscov called his uncle “truly one of the giants in the retail industry.” He is survived by his wife and three daughters.