Calman J. (Buddy) Zamoiski, Jr. died of natural causes at his Eastern Shore home on February 10, 2021, at the age of 93.
A life-long Baltimorean, he was a successful businessman who contributed much of his time to many cultural, medical, environmental, and political aspects of the city and state he loved.
He served as Chairman of the Board of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (twice), as President of the Board of the Baltimore Museum of Art, and as President of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation Baltimore. He also was a Trustee of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, The Community Foundation of Baltimore, and Mercantile Bank and Trust. He was a Trustee and Vice-chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and instrumental in the creation of BAY license plates. (He was proud that his plate was BAY 002, and Governor Schaefer’s was BAY 001.) He was honored to be called upon for help by political, business, and community leaders and his input left an indelible mark on the city and state.
As chairman of The Zamoiski Co. and Independent Distributors, Inc., a wholesale distribution business that his grandfather, Joseph M. Zamoiski, founded in 1896, he expanded the company’s size and product range to include housewares, flooring, appliances, TV’s and radios, wine, and more. He built a large state-of-the art distribution center on Waterview Avenue. The plaque on his desk said “If not, why not.”
He loved going to great restaurants, in Baltimore and abroad, and enjoyed great food and wine.
He entertained family and friends, and hosted many events for the institutions and politicians he supported. He loved to travel, whether to Europe or on fishing and hunting trips. He supported all of the cultural institutions in Baltimore, had season tickets for all of the city’s theaters, and lifelong memberships in every museum and the symphony. He was a devoted Orioles fan and had front row season tickets since the team came to Baltimore in 1954. He enjoyed biking and running, and would run 7 to 8 miles three times a week until his mid 70’s. He loved to hunt, fish, and take his boat onto the Chesapeake Bay. He especially loved his house on the Tred Avon River near Easton, where he was surrounded by water, beautiful open views, ducks, and nature.
He is survived by his daughter Clair Segal; his sister, Louise Z. Barber; daughter-in-law Dr. Joan Berkowitz Zamoiski Rogers (Jonathan); granddaughters Rachel (Jason) Soifer of Bethesda and Catherine (Peter) Halprin of New York; great-grandchildren James Halprin, Lila Halprin, Julia Soifer and Anna Soifer; step-grandsons Matthew (Stacie) Rogers and Adam (MaryCarol) Rogers; step-great grandsons Joseph Soifer and Harrison Rogers; devoted assistant for 32 years and friend to the end Patricia (Dave) French; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of more than 60 years, the former Ellen Levi, his son James L. Zamoiski, and his brother Joseph Zamoiski.
Funeral services and interment are private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the James L. Zamoiski Scholarship Fund at the Friends School of Baltimore, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210.