Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 24, 2008
Joseph J. Pasinato, sales rep
Chicago — Joseph J. Pasinato, a furniture sales representative here for more than 60 years, has died. He was 89.
Pasinato was a Navy combat engineer at the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.
Later, he was a sales rep for case goods producer and importer Montalbano Majestic International for 30 years. He and his wife, Mary, were "Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus" for 30 years for the company's parties for developmentally disabled kids.
Pasinato also sold furniture for several other Chicago companies, including Regal Mfg.
He was given the honor of Pillar of the Community by his industry and peers.
Pasinato is survived by his wife, a daughter, a son, five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a brother.
Robert Rutman, Home Beautiful
Boca Raton, Fla. — Robert Rutman, retired owner of home furnishings and decorator showroom Home Beautiful and Budget Office Furniture in New London, Conn., has died in a car accident. He was 83.
A World War II veteran, Rutman opened Home Beautiful in 1958. In 1973, he expanded the business to include office furniture, office-space design and installation for large companies, changing the name to HBI. He opened Budget Office Furniture in 1988.
Rutman spent his entire life in New London, Conn., until the death of his wife, Joan, in 2005 of cancer. He then moved to Boca Raton.
To read a profile of Rutman, visit http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=4237cf21-41fc-42a9-b398-9f13027a7c69
