Former Giant President Javitch Dies

HARRISON, N.Y. — Funeral services were held Friday for Lee H. Javitch, the former chairman and president of Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa.

Javitch, born in 1931, was the son of David Javitch, who had founded the chain as Carlisle Meat Market in 1923. The younger Javitch built the chain to more than 30 locations.

“Lee Javitch was an icon in the grocery industry, and created a legacy of generosity and service that defined an organization,” said Rick Herring, the current president of Giant-Carlisle, which is now part of Ahold USA.

Lee Javitch became the chain’s president in 1968 and was chairman from 1979 to 1982.

“Lee always took a great interest in his colleagues, helping to guide them through their careers,” said Herring. “He cared about the happiness and well-being of all associates, and he emphasized how critical each associate was to the success of the business.”