Eugene H. Braverman, noted businessman

Eugene H. Braverman, 88, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, William and Vera, who both immigrated in the early 1900s from Russia. They met in New York, both working in the same clothing factory. They married and moved to Philadelphia. They had two children, Florence and Gene. Together they started their business, Braverman’s Hardware Store, located at 26th and Girard. That store was taken over by their son, Gene and his second wife Roz, along with their two children, Victor and Diane. About a decade ago, during a gentrification of the neighborhood, it was sold again and replaced with an apartment building now named The Braverman Building. Gene also ran a bakery with his family for many years at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.  

Gene attended Temple University and was the first in his family to attend college. He received his degree in accounting. Gene served in the National Guard in the 1960s and spent time serving at the Nike Missile Base in Philadelphia.  

Gene is survived by his children, Victor and Diane; and the love of his life, Lillian K. Hooker. Together they studied, traveled, and enjoyed making many friends, and lived their best lives, sharing many common interests. Spending time together was Gene’s biggest joy and his true life’s blessing. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Burns Funeral Home, 9708 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m., at St. Dominic Cemetery, 8504 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia.