Arthur Shore, restaurateur

Arthur "Rocco" Shore, 92, a restaurateur and businessman who operated a steak house in Center City and a chain of men's stores in Northeast Philadelphia, died Sunday, Dec. 9, at his home in Northfield, N.J.

Mr. Shore operated Dave Shore's, a Jewish steak house, at Camac and Walnut Streets. It was named for his father, the co-owner, who started the business.

The restaurant was launched in the 1930s at Fourth and Lombard Streets and moved to Camac Street a few years later, his daughter, Susan, said. The restaurant closed in the 1980s.

With his son Michael, Mr. Shore also operated a chain of five men's stores, named Michael's, in Northeast Philadelphia during the 1980s, his daughter said.

Mr. Shore was born March 13, 1920, in Philadelphia, the son of Dave and Lillian Shore. He was raised in South Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School.

At age 21, he was recruited for the Army's Officer Candidate School. During World War II he served in Tunisia and Italy, rising to the rank of major. He later served in the Army Reserve, retiring in the 1970s.

He married Miriam Shore in the 1940s. The couple had three children.

Susan Shore said her father was most proud of his military career. "He loved his time in the Army and serving his country," she said, adding that he also enjoyed reading about military history.

During the 1980s, Mr. Shore and son Michael launched a wholesale shrimp-farming business in Thailand. He closed the business after his son died in 1986.

Mr. Shore's wife operated a dress shop, Miriam Shore Dresses, Coats & Suits, on 18th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets in Center City from 1972 to 1990.

The couple lived at the Philadelphian on Pennsylvania Avenue for many years. They moved to their summer home in Margate, N.J., in 1990. Miriam Shore died in 1997.

After his wife's death, Mr. Shore married Bojenna Shore.

Susan Shore said her father had a "outstanding sense of humor" and enjoyed giving to charitable causes.

"He loved compassion and he loved integrity," Susan Shore said. "Friendships and loyalty were most important to him."

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Shore is survived by a son, David, and three grandchildren.

A graveside funeral was held Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Beth Kehillah Cemetery in Egg Harbor, N.J.