Herbert Gallen

GALLEN--Herbert, Former Chairman and owner of Ellen Tracy, Inc., passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 22, 2007. Son of Abraham and Bessie (Finkelstein), he was born September 15, 1915, in Paterson, New Jersey. In 1949, he founded Ellen Tracy, as a small production business designing and selling women's blouses to department stores for $28.50 a dozen. For more than 50 years, he guided the growth and progress of Ellen Tracy into a leading sportswear and bridge collection. The privately owned company was sold in 2002, marking what Women's Wear Daily described as "one of the most successful runs of entrepreneurship on Seventh Avenue." For many years he has been active in philanthropic activities for medical, cultural and social causes. He has granted a professorship to Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons Department of Neurological Surgery. An ongoing supporter of the ADL, contributor to the Weitzman Institute of Science, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach, Florida, the UJA of Bergen County, New Jersey, JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly, New Jersey, the Jewish Home at Rockleigh in River Vale, New Jersey, and the Daughters of Miriam Center in Clifton, New Jersey where he established the Gallen Institute for Subacute Care. He holds an honorary doctorate degree from Kent State University in recognition of his benevolence to the Fashion School on campus. He is also a member of the School's Hall of Fame and most recently enabled the University to establish a classroom studio in New York providing students the opportunity to study fashion, theater, dance and art in New York City. He was instrumental in the construction of a new playground for the Demarest Elementary School, and actively supported the New York Restoration Project in their efforts to revitalize public park lands throughout New York City. An avid sports enthusiast, he was a member of Edgewood Country Club, in River Vale, New Jersey, Bocaire Country Club Community in Boca Raton, Florida and always enjoyed entertaining family and friends aboard his yacht Mystique. Above all, his family was his passion. Beloved husband of the late Betty (Barr), loving husband of Linda (Allard), devoted father of Joan (Megibow) and Nancy (Scheriff). He was a role model, tutor and an adoring grandfather to Terri and Andrew (Megibow), Michael, Adam, and Todd (Runyon), Tracy and Megan (Scheriff). great-grandfather to Melissa, James, Jordan, Abigail, Alexis, Jake, Evan, Zoe, Leah, Jillian and Tyler, Pop Pop will be missed dearly. He is also survived by his brother Robert Gallen, his sister Ruth (Halperin) and several nieces and nephews. Known for his keen intellect, great sense of humor and business savvy, he is well respected among family, friends and business acquaintances. He will truly be missed by us all. Services will be held Monday, September 24, 2007, 12:00pm at Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel, 150 Route 4, Paramus, New Jersey, 201843-9090. Contributions in his memory can be made to any of the above organizations.