Founder of the home furnishings retailer H.D. Buttercup, which had locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
He was 16 when he attended Boston University. Later he opened a seasonal store called the Holiday Spirit.
He led ABC Carpet and Home for 22 years, growing its revenue from $3 million in 1982 to $170 million in 2004.
His ex-wife and business partner Paulette became the sole owner of ABC Carpet and Home after he left in 2004.
He received the first license to sell personal computers by IBM, which was founded by Thomas J. Watson.
