Ivan M. Chalfie

Ivan M. Chalfie

A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Ivan M. Chalfie was the son of Herman and Helen (Ciener) Chalfie. He graduated from Shortridge High School and Indiana University. He was an alumnus of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, Sigma Zeta.

Mr. Chalfie began swimming competitively as a teen, helping him overcome the effects of rheumatic fever, which he contracted as a child. He swam for Indiana University and made Scholastic All American his freshman year. In addition, he was an alternate to the 1948 Olympic Team. He competed for the Jordan YMCA masters' swim team, Indy SwimFit, from 1979-2012, winning national titles. He was presented with the Emeritus Award from Greater Indianapolis Masters Swimming in 2011.

Mr. Chalfie served in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

As principal of Ivan M. Chalfie & Associates for 42 years, he was a successful real estate broker and developer, instrumental in the retail development of the Castleton area.

An active community volunteer, Mr. Chalfie served on the board of directors of Jewish Family and Children's Services, Jordan YMCA, Metro YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Jewish Community Center, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Jewish Welfare Federation, National Young Leadership Cabinet, District Aquatic Committee for Boy Scouts, Broadmoor Country Club and B'nai B'rith Bowling Association. He was the recipient of the YMCA's James L. Kittle, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, the highest honor bestowed upon a volunteer.

Annually since 1980, Jewish Family and Children's Services and the Jewish Community Center have presented the Ivan m. Chalfie Award for Distinguished Service to a deserving individual for his or her contribution to the Jewish family and service to the Indianapolis community.

In addition to swimming, Mr. Chalfie enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, bowling, Colts football and anything to do with Indiana University sports.

Mr. Chalfie was predeceased by his wife of 26 years, Nancy Chalfie, and a daughter, Deborah Irwin. He is survived by six children: Deborah Chalfie, David Chalfie, Denise Kolts, Diana Scheid, Barry Chalfie and Daniel Chalfie; five grandchildren: Coriandra Conder, Jason Kolts, Ryan Scheid, Kyle Scheid and Alyssa Scheid and two great grandchildren: June Conder and Emerson Scheid.

The family will hold a private funeral service. Contributions may be made to the Michael O. Koch Chair in Urology Fund at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, and the Jewish Community Center.