Longtime fabric executive David Rothschild II dies at 88

Was involved in industry more than 60 years

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, November 12, 2009

David Rothschild II

COLUMBUS, Ga. — David Rothschild II, chairman of upholstery fabrics manufacturer David Rothschild Co. here, died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 88.

Rothschild was involved in the furniture industry for over 60 years.

He served in the Army as an officer on Gen. Dwight Eisenhower's staff during World War II. He graduated from Yale Law School in 1947 and briefly practiced law.

He then joined the family's textile business, founded in 1886, and had a long career in sales and management. David Rothschild Co. is currently under fourth-generation family management with Walter Rothschild as president.

David Rothschild II served on the Columbus, Ga., school board for many years and did volunteer work for education and other community service until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, four children and three grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother, Irwin Rothschild of Los Angeles, who retired recently after a 62-year career in fabric sales.

Funeral was Thursday at Temple Israel, with a brief ceremony afterward at Riverdale Cemetery.