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Jerome Bengis Obituary
June 19, 1946 - May 22, 2024
Coral Springs, Florida - Jerome Bengis, a proud Miami native whose iconic signs, including the Coppertone Suntan billboard and the Joe's Stone Crabs sign that has defined the South Florida landscape for generations, passed away on May 22, 2024. Jerome, known as Jerry, was a longtime owner of his family company, Bengis Signs which quite literally made its footprint over the South Florida horizon. The famous Coppertone sign, still seen on Biscayne Boulevard, is a Miami landmark. Jerry's father, Moe, created the billboard in 1959 and Jerry lovingly restored it after Hurricane Irma damaged the sign in 2017. Jerry took his passion for design and signage to art. He became one of the world's foremost experts on Salvador Dali and was a leading authenticator of the artist's work. Jerry took pride in his expertise and relished educating his friends about Dali and other 20th-century artists. Jerry collected friends as readily as he did his art. His bar mitzvah partner became a lifelong friend as well as his crew from Coral Gables High School. Jerry's enthusiasm for art, travel, food, and the University of Miami Hurricanes could be felt by all who knew him. He was quick to laugh and tell a story. He loved baseball both playing and watching it, and at one time was a shockingly talented bowler. Jerry adored his wife Brenda and his children and grandchildren and was always ready for a celebratory dinner at Joe's Stone Crabs. Jerry is survived by Brenda, his children Debra Feinberg and Wendy Sachs, his sons-in-law, Jeffrey Fenster and Michael Sachs, his grandchildren: Jonah Sachs, Lexi Sachs, Hallie Fenster, Maddie Fenster, and Dylan Fenster, and his brother-in-law Marvin Goodman.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Bengis
Jeffrey Perlman
May 20, 2025
Always remembered and admired
Joe Colburn
January 19, 2025
I'm just learning of this sad news. I met Jerry through my love of Salvador Dali. He had an amazing collection and I purchased many pieces from him. He was always very cordial. I remember he named one of his cats Dali. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Jack Herrera
December 6, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope.
Jerry will always have a special place in our heart.
Judi Aront
June 20, 2024
I was shocked and so sad/sorry to hear this news. I first knew Jerry when we were in Elementary school as our parents were good friends. Our friendship continued all through our school years until I married and left Miami. Even though we hadn´t talked in a long time we had touched base throughout the years. One of my fond and funny memories was during the Jewish holidays when our mothers would take us to religious services and we would sneak out of the children´s services (until we were "busted"). We did have fun together as young kids and I am so sad to learn of the loss of Jerry. He was such a good man.
Sending condolences to his family ( who he obviously cherished). May his memory always be a blessing.
Judi Aront
Linda Lubitz Boone
June 18, 2024
To Jerry's family. I met Jerry when I became a member of the Miami Rotary Club that met in downtown Miami. Rotary had just started admitting women to the Club so some welcomed me warmly and some didn't. Jerry was one who went out of his way to come say hello each Thursday noon for the lunch meeting. It meant a lot and it's a memory that was brought back when I saw he had passed and you should know how many lives he touched both with his signs but also with his humanity. My deepest condolences.
Carol Booth
June 1, 2024
I am sorry for the loss of Jerry . He was always so friendly. I knew him thru the Weingarden family . Carol Booth
Jeffrey Perlman
May 29, 2024
May Jerry go to his place of rest and go there in peace. May all who morn find comfort and may that which he did be a blessing for us all, especially Mrs. Bengis, Marvin and Lori
Ann Spector Lieff
May 28, 2024
I met Jerry while I was President and CEO of Spec's Music. He fabricated most of the signs for our stores. Always a pleasure to work with and so helpful. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Ann Spector Lieff
Shelly Rotbart
May 27, 2024
I met Jerry at UM. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him. Bumped into him on a cruise ship in Europe. Loved his GTO.
John Adt
May 27, 2024
Jerry was my best friend in high school at Gables. We rekindled our friendship after college by playing two man softball with Lou and Larry and also playing tennis. What a great guy.
Linda and Dennis Bird
May 26, 2024
Jerry brought such fun and joy to you from the moment that you met. I know these fond memories and the strength of your family will help you through each day. We love you!
Shirley Glickman
May 26, 2024
I remember Jerry from Shenandoah Jr High. We were in the same home room. He was a great guy! I´m so glad that he had a good life with Brenda & her children. My sympathy & very best wishes, Shirley Baumwald Glickman
David Weissman
May 26, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. We had been friends since Coral Gables High School and "just happened to move around the block from him when he lived near Killian High School in Miami". He (Mr. Sign) was very fortunate to meet and marry Brenda and become part of her family. Jerry always had that infectious smile, a story to tell, and a warm greeting for all. He will be missed. All the best to Brenda and their family
Nadezda Stefanovic
May 24, 2024
Sending our condolences to you and the rest of the Bengis family on the deep loss of a wonderful husband, father, grand father,friend
Carol Fleming
May 24, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nancy Schaffel
May 24, 2024
Jerry and I met in middle school and remained friends through all these years. I will miss our conversations and his infectious smile. My deepest condolences to Brenda and the entire family.
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