Founder of Al's Formal Wear Dead at 86

"Al" Sankary was also a synagogue president

You may not know the name Abraham Sankary, but we're pretty if you've ever needed a tuxedo for a wedding or prom you've heard of Al's Formal Wear.

Fort Worth native Abraham "Al" Sankary, the founder of Al's Formal Wear, died Tuesday at the age of 86.

Sankary started a tuxedo rental shop in downtown Fort Worth in 1952, when renting formal clothing for men was a new concept. According to The Star-Telegram, he was among the first who offered to make, sell, rent and clean tuxedos.

His family tells the Star-Telegram
he had $2,500, knew how to sew and wanted to have a happy business where people came for happy occasions.

That happy business made Sankary a formal wear giant with stores in several states. Sankary's nephew is the current president of the company.

He was also very active in Congregation Ahavath Sholom, where he was president for two years, according to the Star-Telegram.

Sankary is survived by his wife, daughter, son, two grandchldren and several brothers and sisters.

The memorial service for Sankary is set for 10 a.m. Friday at Congregation Ahavath Sholom on South Hulen in Fort Worth, with burial at Ahavath Sholom Cemetery.

More: Star-Telegram

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