Irv Kosloff

Who was Irv Kosloff?

Isadore "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.