Acme Paper and Supply Co., Jessup, Maryland, is saddened to announce the passing of its founder, Edward Attman. Attman died of natural causes on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at the age of 95.

A lifelong Baltimorean, Attman was born in 1920 to Henry and Ida Attman. His parents founded the famous Attman’s Delicatessen, one of the country’s oldest delis. After serving in World War II, Attman’s mother encouraged him to go into business with a non-perishable product. He saw potential in the paper distribution industry and in 1946, he and his wife Mildred founded Acme Paper in a 1500 square foot garage. He named the company “Acme” so they would be listed first in the phone book.

Since its founding, Attman led the company through many stages of growth. They expanded into several related divisions, from janitorial equipment and supply and restaurant equipment and supply to retail and industrial packaging. Today, they are among the nation’s largest suppliers of packaging, equipment and supplies.

Because Attman gained much of his business experience working in his family’s deli, it was important to him to have his children learn about this business world the same way. Each of his four sons started working at Acme Paper during their early teenage years and three of them chose to make careers at Acme. The tradition of the family business has even continued to the third generation. His four grandsons also work in the business today.

“We are all devastated at the passing of my father, Ed Attman,” says Ron Attman, vice president of Acme Paper. “He was an innovative thinker, savvy businessman, and a loving father. Even in his 90s, he still came into the office every day and contributed his ideas for Acme’s future. My brothers and I and our children are proud of have worked alongside him and will work tirelessly to live up to the high standards that he set. His legacy will live on.”

In addition to his sons, Attman is survived by one brother, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.