MEN’S WEARHOUSE CO-FOUNDER ROBERT “BOB” ELKIN ZIMMER DIES AT 93

MR magazine has learned of the passing of Men’s Wearhouse co-founder Robert “Bob” Elkin Zimmer on September 6 in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was 93.

Zimmer was born in New York City to Jesse and Alfred Zimmer. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School before being drafted into the Army Air Force in 1943 where he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant. As a B-24 navigator Bob flew 13 missions and was shot down over Vienna, Austria, was MIA and then held in Germany as a prisoner of war for nine months until the end of the war. The strength, dignity, and fortitude he showed in Germany remained with him throughout his life.

After the war, he graduated from Columbia University and began his career as a men’s and boy’s clothing retailer with Robert Hall. He then started his own manufacturing company Royalad Apparel which he later expanded into Zimco Industries.

In 1973, Zimmer and his son co-founded The Men’s Wearhouse in Houston, Texas. He was married for 42 years to Lynn Selig Zimmer, was father to George Zimmer, James Zimmer and Laurie Zimmer Ekstein (Rudi), stepfather to Joan Nevin (John) and John Dalsheim, grandfather to Sarah, Kai, Kami and the late Matt Zimmer, Courtney, Jayde and Trystan Zimmer, Jessica Ekstein, and Lucy, Caroline and Abigail Nevin.

His brother, Colonel Arnold Zimmer predeceased him as did his first wife Marian Trosk Zimmer.

Zimmer was an avid golfer and sports fan who loved dancing, Broadway music, traveling and will be remembered for his generosity to the many charitable causes he supported especially in Rancho Mirage, California, where he and Lynn enjoyed 27 seasons with their many friends. Bob will be missed by all who knew him.

The service will be held on Friday, September 8 at 11:00am at Temple Emanu-El in Rye, New York. Donations may be made to Greenwich Hospital in his memory.