Mourning a Sydney great

THE Sydney Jewish community is mourning the passing of businessman and philanthropist Paul Kornmehl, who died on Monday, aged 90.

Kornmehl touched the lives of many with his dedication and involvement to both Jewish and secular communities.

He revolutionised women’s hosiery in the 1960s with his company Kolotex, and was described as a successful and charismatic businessman.

His son, Jim Kornmehl, remembered his father as someone who was not only a “terrific father and fantastic grandfather”, but also a man who was utterly devoted to the betterment of the community.

“We’re so proud of the fact that he was community-minded,” Jim said this week. “He didn’t just support our education, he spent his life supporting the Jewish community’s education.”

In recognition of his generous support of The Emanuel School — where his daughter Anita is a board member — the preschool bears the Kornmehl name.

Emanuel School president David Nathan looked back fondly on the many school milestones Kornmehl shared.

“Given the outstanding person that he was and his oft presence at the school, he’ll be sadly missed by the school and Jewish community,” Nathan said.

Former Emanuel School president Alex Abulafia recalled Kornmehl as someone who always had a smile on his face, lived life to the fullest and loved recounting stories of his voyages.

“He was a visionary, who was not only passionate about educating youth, he also understood the need to service all sectors of the community and was always keen to participate in charity events,” Abulafia said.

Kornmehl was also a much-respected member of Chabad House of Double Bay, where he established the Kornmehl Family Hebrew School.

Rabbi Yanky Berger regarded Kornmehl as a very dear friend.

“He was not only a major benefactor and great supporter, he was kindness personified,” Rabbi Berger explained. “He was a humble man with a huge heart, who will be very sorely missed.”

CASSILEE KAHN