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, born in Middletown, New Jersey, is the son of Edith (née Abraham) and Percy Selden Straus.  His paternal grandparents, Ida and Isidor Straus, tragically died on the Titanic, allowing others to secure a place on the lifeboats.