Harry Bernard Gordon Sr.

HARRY BERNARD GORDON, SR., native Houstonian, philanthropist, business and community leader, and patriarch, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2002. He was 92. He was born on October 20, 1909, in Houston, Texas to M.M. and Ida Gordon. He attended the University of Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Columbia University School of Business in New York City. After school, he joined Macy's Department store where he quickly became the star salesman. Soon after, he worked for his father in the family business, Gordon's Jewelers. He served his country as a Captain in the US Army, Quartermaster Corp. during World War II. He returned home after the war to meet and marry the love of his life, Aileen Becker Gordon. Harry, his brother, Aron Gordon, and his brother in law, I.L Miller, along with his father built the Gordon Jewelry Corporation, which was publicly traded on the NYSE, into the second largest retail jeweler in the United States. Harry was the Co-Chairman of the Board when the company was sold in 1989. He was known as much for his generosity as his business savvy. He was a friend to many of Houston's charities and to all in need. He has served on many boards as a Director or Trustee, including: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Retina Research Foundation, Houston Symphony, Jewish Federation of Houston, Jewish Community Center, and a lifetime trustee of the Houston Grand Opera. He proudly served as president of Congregation Beth Israel. He and his wife, Aileen, also helped to create the Aileen and Harry B. Gordon Diabetes Laboratory at Texas Children's Hospital and the Dermatology Library at Methodist Hospital. He was a past honoree of National Conference of Christians and Jews as well as the Jewish Community Center. Known as "Super Pop" by all who loved him, he was an incredibly loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.M. and Ida Gordon; his sister and brother in law, Bertha and I.L. Miller; and his brother and sister in law, Aron and Anaruth Gordon. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Aileen Becker Gordon, and his loving family: daughter, Frann Gordon Lichtenstein, and her family, Jill and Bradley Deutser and their children, Ashley and Andrew, and Gregg and Rachel Lichtenstein; son, Doug and Lisa Gordon and their children, Adam and Alissa; and son, Harry B. Gordon, Jr.; brother in law, G. M. Becker; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend special thanks for the love, care, and genuine friendship of Helen Randall, Rowanna Hubbard and Ken Hall. Each touched his life in ways that will never be forgotten. And, no words can describe the respect, friendship and trust that Harry had for Lorraine Juran, who worked by his side for over 30 years. A private family burial was held. A memorial service was conducted at 1:30 in the afternoon on Thursday, January 24, 2002 in the Sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood, under auspices of Rabbi David A. Whiman, Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, and Cantor Robert Gerber. Pallbearers were Gregg Gordon Lichtenstein, Adam Gordon, Bradley J. Deutser, D. Jeffrey Hirschberg, Conrad Weil, Jr., Arnold Miller, Sr., Thomas J. Gordon, G.M. Becker, Clay Becker, Dr. Kenneth Gabbay, Robert Deutser, Harris Lichtenstein, and Ken Hall. Andrew Gordon Deutser served as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers and for those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2425 Fountainview Suite 280, Houston, Texas 77057 or Gordon Diabetes Research Fund, c/o Kenneth Gabbay, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030 or the charity of your choice.