Straus was born in Middletown, New Jersey, the son of Edith (née Abraham) and Percy Selden Straus. His paternal grandparents — Ida and Isidor Straus — died on the Titanic, allowing others to take their place on the lifeboats.
Straus's paternal grandparents, Ida and Isidor Straus, died on the Titanic, allowing others to take their place on lifeboats. This information is relevant to understanding his family history.