Mort Finkelstein, an industry icon and head of Midwest sporting goods retailer MC Sports for many years, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the age of 93.

Finkelstein was born in Grand Rapids, MI, and he worked with his parents in the family business at Michigan Clothiers, which later became known as MC Sporting Goods. In January of 1949 he enlisted in the Air Force and when he returned to Grand Rapids he took over running one of the family stores. He continued to help it grow along with his parents and brothers, Raleigh & Ed. Over many years the brothers took over that small clothing company and turned it into a substantial regional and national sporting goods chain.

Finkelstein was an avid sportsman and athlete. His first love was golf, then hunting and skiing. He belonged to Temple Emanuel’s Jewish Reform Congregation. From a young age, he committed himself to improving the Jewish community by giving of himself both locally and nationally. Mort accepted the Chairmanship of Temple Emanuel’s Cemetery Committee eight years ago and he was actively involved until just weeks before his death. A funeral service was held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids.