Saul Marmer, who ran Marmer Shoes, a family-owned local chain of stores on the West Side of Cincinnati for decades, outfitting generations of customers. Saul was born on October 3rd, 1924 and passed away on March 16th, 2015 at 90 years old.

Raised in Price Hill, Mr. Marmer graduated from Western Hills High School in 1942. After winning a scholarship to study radio at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Music, he envisioned a career in show business. Working with WLW Radio, Mr. Marmer met stars and future stars including American entertainer, Red Skelton.

War interrupted those plans. He enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and the ROTC while a student at UC and called to active duty in 1943, he later served in Europe toward the end of the conflict and during post-war occupation. He participated in the liberation of Wupertal Concentration Camp.

Mr. Marmer became a 1st lieutenant and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Upon his return to the U.S. in 1946, Mr. Marmer’s father encouraged his son to finish his studies at UC. He also worked in the family’s store and in his own words “got hooked” on the business. His parents quickly put him in charge, making him president of the business that he ran for almost 45 years serving generations of West Side customers.

Mr. Marmer also became deeply involved in the field of pedorthics, operating clinics that aided treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle and lower extremities that plagued many post-war veterans. He was elected the first president of the Pedorthic Footwear (Footcare) Association (PFA), founded in 1958. Later, he was given an award by the U.S. Veterans Administration for his volunteerism helping Vietnam veterans with foot injuries.

Mr. Marmer was active in trade groups Ohio Council of Retail Merchants and the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA), which he led as its president.

Mr. Marmer closed his business in 1990 after his children pursued different careers. After retiring, he traveled and remained active in the veterans’ activities, including speaking to students about his wartime experiences. He was also active with UC’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for mature residents.

“His life in the Army at the end of WWII was the most influential experience of his life,” said Lynn Marmer, former Kroger Co. group vice president of corporate affairs. “My Dad was an amazing guy. WWII vet. … He inspired everyone who knew him.”

LIBRARY of CONGRESS: Personal Narrative
Saul Marmer Collection (click here)
Veterans History Project Service

Learn about Saul's millitary service in WWII in the personal 2hr interview.

Click below to view 50th Celebration photos and stories!