Milton Gralla

Gralla, Milton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, philanthropist, of Boca Raton, FL, passed away on July 11, 2012. He was 84 years old. Born in 1928, middle son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. Graduated 1948 (English, journalism) from City College of New York. Newspaper/magazine career started as sports stringer for New York Times. Worked for Tulsa World, before establishing business magazine company with brother, Lawrence Gralla. Company expanded into Gralla Publications which had 19 magazines and a national exposition division before being sold in 1983 to United Newspapers (London), an international publishing firm. Active life-long in philanthropy and Jewish educational progress in the United States, Israel and Former Soviet Union. Served on boards of directors of Boys Town Jerusalem, Yeshiva University, UJA-Federation (NY City), World ORT, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, JEWISH WEEK newspaper, Solomon Schechter School and Y/JCC of Bergen County (NJ), and Be'er Hagolah School, ORT schools to Former Soviet Union as founder (with wife Shirley) of new school in Odessa and then chairperson of "Regeneration" campaign to build or expand similar schools in numerous FSU cities. Sponsored and helped conduct seminars in Moscow for executives of revitalized Jewish community weeklies. Became chairman of Salute to Israel parade in New York City in 1994. With wife Shirley sponsored "Freedom Flight" of 250 Russian Jewish immigrants to new homeland in Israel. "It was emotional and memorable beyond description," Milt recollected. In 1998 founded Gralla Fellows Program at Brandeis University for journalists in early/middle stages of careers. Helped bring music to Boca Raton, FL through financial and business support of the Palm Beach Pops and the Sunshine Pops. With Adriane Berg co-authored "How Good Guys Grow Rich" which explained Good Guy attitude that living to enrich others without seeking rewards would bring financial rewards and personal satisfaction. Ran as Independent for Congress in his NJ district in 1974 and gained considerable support. Numerous awards included Ellis Island Medal (to first-generation or second-generation Americans who have made distinguished contributions to U.S. society), and Doctorate of Humane Letters from Yeshiva University (1991). Residence in Boca Raton (FL). Wife Shirley (Edelson) Gralla, married in 1950. Children M/Ms Edward Gralla, M/Ms Todd Galinko, M/Ms Dennis Gralla. Six Grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July, 13 at Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes, NJ with burial following at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ. Shiva will follow burial at 1512 Palisade Ave., #20H, Fort Lee. On Saturday, shiva will be held at home of daughter Karen Galinko, 18 Merrill Dr., Mahwah from 7-9 p.m. with minyon at 7:30., Sunday and Monday from 2-5 p.m and 7-9 p.m. (minyon 7:30) also at 18 Merrill Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations in Milton's name can be made to any of the following institutions: Brandeis University, Mailstop 122, Waltham, MA 02453 Attn: Nancy Winship, Senior VP of Institutional Advancement For Milton Gralla Endowed Scholarship for a Journalism Student, 781-736-4003 OR Jewish Home in Rockleigh, 10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647 Attn: Chuck Berkowitz, Executive Director 201-784-1414 OR Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, 50 Broadway 34th Floor, New York, NY 10004 Attn: Dr. Jerome Hochbaum 212-425-6606