Gerald NATHANSON

1936 - 2017

NATHANSON, Gerald of Tucson, died peacefully at home on March 22, 2017. Mr. Nathanson was a loving patriarch of large family of three children; nine, grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Born in Detroit, Michigan on November 10, 1936, Mr. Nathanson had a successful career in business and philanthropy. He was the founder and/or CEO of Midland Sales, Jefferson Wards, JM Fields, McCrory, Pay N Save, many of which were multibillion dollar businesses. He ended his business career as the owner/CEO of Tattoo Manufacturing in Tucson which grew to be the world's largest manufacturer of temporary tattoos before selling the company to a private equity firm 6 years ago. He has a long history in Jewish philanthropy as a founder of his temple in Midland Michigan, the chairman of the Men's division at Jewish Federation in Miami as well as a member of the Board of Jewish federation in Miami. He started a high school in Israel, where he was active in fundraising and supported the Jewish Federations Leif fund which helps families in need. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Thelma; his sister, Beverly Kruger; his children, Joyce Sinclair, Sharon Shi and Rick and Stephanie Nathanson; his grandchildren, Scott and Rachel Sinclair, Julie Grozdea, Nathan Shi, Noah, Reuben, Elliott, David and Ariella Nathanson. Outstanding friends and caretakers Icela, Mandy Lane and Hector Soriano The Memorial Services will be at East Lawn Cemetery on 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Any donations should go to Jewish Federation Leif program in Tucson Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.