Irv Kosloff
Encyclopedia
Irving "Irv" S. Kosloff was an American businessman and sportsman.
He was born in Philadelphia in 1912, the son of Russian immigrants. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School
in 1930, where he played football. He attended Temple University
but left to find a job. In 1932, he founded Roosevelt Paper Company, which grew to become one of the largest paper merchants in the country.
In May 1963, Kosloff, with the inspiration and aid of high-school classmate attorney Ike Richman, purchased the Syracuse Nationals
of the National Basketball Association
from Danny Biasone, brought them to Philadelphia, and changed the team's name to the Philadelphia 76ers
. Richman ran the day-to-day operations of the team, with Kosloff, busy with his growing paper business, remaining the silent partner.
In 1966, Richman died of a heart attack at a 76ers-Boston Celtics
game. Kosloff brought in Jack Ramsey to manage the team.
During Kosloff's tenure as owner, the Sixers won an NBA Championship in 1966-67.
In May 1976, Kosloff sold the 76ers to Philadelphia philanthropist Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
for $8 million.
Kosloff died of leukemia at his home in Merion in February 1995.
He was born in Philadelphia in 1912, the son of Russian immigrants. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School
South Philadelphia High School
South Philadelphia High School also known as Southern High is a public secondary high school located in the south section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue, just north of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex residential neighborhood, Marconi...
in 1930, where he played football. He attended Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
but left to find a job. In 1932, he founded Roosevelt Paper Company, which grew to become one of the largest paper merchants in the country.
In May 1963, Kosloff, with the inspiration and aid of high-school classmate attorney Ike Richman, purchased the Syracuse Nationals
Syracuse Nationals
The Syracuse Nationals were an American professional basketball team that existed from 1946 to 1963 as part of the National Basketball League and National Basketball Association . They are currently known as the Philadelphia 76ers, and are the NBA's oldest continued franchise.The team began in...
of the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
from Danny Biasone, brought them to Philadelphia, and changed the team's name to the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
. Richman ran the day-to-day operations of the team, with Kosloff, busy with his growing paper business, remaining the silent partner.
In 1966, Richman died of a heart attack at a 76ers-Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
game. Kosloff brought in Jack Ramsey to manage the team.
During Kosloff's tenure as owner, the Sixers won an NBA Championship in 1966-67.
In May 1976, Kosloff sold the 76ers to Philadelphia philanthropist Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr.
Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr. was an American educator, sportsman, and philanthropist.-Biography:He was the son of banker Fitz Eugene Dixon, Sr. and his wife Eleanor Widener, a member of the wealthy Philadelphia Widener family. His grandfather, George D. Widener, and uncle, Harry Elkins Widener, had both...
for $8 million.
Kosloff died of leukemia at his home in Merion in February 1995.