Jordan Gerber, who had homes on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and Westhampton Beach, died at Mount Sinai Hospital on Thursday, April 23, following a sudden illness. He was 70.
Known to many as “Jordy,” Mr. Gerber was born in Brooklyn. He was a graduate of Oceanside High School and Boston University, where he was a member of the Phi Epsilon Chi fraternity. After founding and operating The New York Jean Company, a successful denim business that yielded his title as “The King of Jeans,” in his retirement he joined his sons Scott, Rande and Kenny Gerber in the establishment of the Gerber Group, which owns and operates more than 30 bars and restaurants nationwide, including the Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner Center and Whiskey Blue in the W. Hotel, both in Manhattan.
At the Gerber Group, he oversaw construction projects for the company and served as a primary contact between management and the company’s thousands of employees, many of whom adored him, according to family members. The familial relationship he built with his employees helped foster the outstanding customer service that became a trademark of the Gerber Group’s success, and his extended family included both the Gerber Group’s employees and its celebrity clientele.
A passionate sportsman, Mr. Gerber enjoyed spending time outdoors and the beauty of the Hamptons.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly Gerber of Manhattan and Westhampton Beach; three sons, Scott Gerber and his wife Tracey of New York, Rande Gerber and his wife Cindy Crawford, and Kenny Gerber, all of Malibu, California; a daughter, Sophie of Manhattan and Westhampton Beach; two sisters, Joni of New York City and Cassie of Massapequa Park; five grandchildren, Chase, Owen, Georgia, Presley and Kaia; two nieces, Wendee and Jessie; and four nephews, Doug, Nick, Tommy and Hawke.
A celebration of Mr. Gerber’s life was held on April 28 at the Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner Center in Manhattan.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4001 would be appreciated by the family.
on Apr 29, 2009