Irving Nathan Finkel, of Davis & Warshow plumbing supply company, has passed away at the age of 103. 

Born in New York on June 28, 1913, Finkel began working at his uncle Bernie Davis’ plumbing supply company, Davis & Warshow, on the Lower East Side in 1932. He began his career by sweeping floors, putting away stock and driving delivery vehicles. He grew that business to be one of the premier plumbing distributors in the country after buying Mr. Warshow and his uncle out by 1964.

Finkel will be remembered by employees, customers, competitors and vendors as a visionary, always pulling a staid industry forward, embracing advances like computerization, the fax machine and cellular technology as they came available. He expected the most out of the hundreds of people he employed over the years, as he knew that his success and reputation depended on them. His legacy is carried on through his son Frank, son-in-law Thomas and grandsons David and Drew.

Finkel was a part of the board of directors for both the Jobbers Credit Association and the Plumbing Heating Wholesaler Employers Association in New York City. He also served as the president for Rego Park Jewish Center for 10 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation.