Holocaust Survivor, Businessman Shelley Zeiger Dies at 78

Holocaust survivor and entrepreneur Shelley M. Zeiger, a longtime Moorestown resident, passed away Sunday, Nov. 10, at the age of 78.

Zeiger, who grew up in Zborów, a town in eastern Poland, escaped—along with the rest of his family—after the Nazis occupied the town and turned it into a ghetto and hid in their neighbor’s home for the duration of the Holocaust, according to a brief bio on the Zeiger Enterprises website.

Zeiger, who wrote a book about his experiences during the Holocaust titled The Wheel of Life, was also known as “Mr. Trenton” for his entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts in the city. He opened his first hotel, the Capitol Plaza Hotel, in Trenton in 1980 and is credited with convincing Marriott CEO J.W. “Bill” Marriott to bring his franchise to Trenton, according to the Trentonian. Prior to that, Trenton was the only capital city in the United States without a hotel.

The 78-year-old is also known for his many efforts to forge economic and cultural bridges between the U.S. and Russia, which he viewed as a way to thank the former Soviet Republic for liberating his family.

“Every day since April 1944 has been a gift to me,” he said. “Because my family and I were liberated by the Russians and because the United States gave us a home and freedom, I have tried to foster democracy and improve international relations through international development and cultural exchanges.”

Zeiger was a 43-year resident of Moorestown.

David Weinstein, a Moorestown school board member, grew up down the street from the family and knew Zeiger for more than 30 years.

“For a man that went through so much, he gave to everyone … He just showed compassion to everyone,” said Weinstein. “He definitely left a mark on me, just being able to know him.

“The world will definitely be missing a very bright light.”

Zeiger is survived by his wife, Marion; his children, Jeffrey (Natalya) Zeiger and Jennifer (Robert) Cameron; and grandchildren, Alexandra Zeiger, Corryn Cameron, Stacia Zeiger and Sierra Cameron. He was also the brother of Michael (Rochelle) Zeiger.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Platt Memorial Chapels Inc., 2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill. Relatives and friends are invited to visit beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Interment will take place at Crescent Memorial Park in Pennsauken. Shiva will be observed at Zeiger’s residence.