Norman M. Giller

GILLER, NORMAN M., 90, Internationally recognized architect, banker, civic leader, and author, passed away on April 18, 2008 peacefully in his Miami Beach home. After graduating the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Architecture, he founded one of Florida's oldest architectural firms, Norman M. Giller & Associates now known as Giller & Giller, Inc., Architects. He was a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), President of the AIA Florida South Chapter, and was former Chairman of the Florida State Board of Architecture. His office has been the recipient of design awards for his works in Florida, nationally and internationally. Recently dubbed "Godfather of MiMo", Miami Modern architecture, his major works include the original Diplomat Hotel & Country Club, the Carillon Hotel, motels in Sunny Isles, major housing projects for the U.S. Air Force, USAID Program throughout Central and South America, the Colleges of Business & Education at Florida Atlantic University, and the Giller Building. As a banker, he served on numerous bank Boards in Miami. He founded InterAmerican National Bank until he merged with Jefferson Bank, where he was Vice Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the parent company, Jefferson Bancorp until its sale to Colonial Bank. Norman was Founding President and Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Museum of Florida, Home of Mosaic. He was Founding President of Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade, and President of the Boy Scouts of America, South Florida Council and was an Eagle Class Honoree. He was Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce President and its 1974 "Man of the Year" and Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year, 1996. He also served as Chairman, Miami Beach Design Review Board, and Trustee and Founder of Mt. Sinai Medical Center. The "Norman M. Giller Bridge" over the Intracoastal Waterway at the 192nd Street Causeway was named in honor of his significant civic achievements in northeast Miami-Dade County. He authored 3 books: "An Adventure in Architecture", an autobiography of his architectural career, "A Century in America", an in-depth documentation of his family roots, and "Designing the Good Life: Norman M. Giller & the Development of Miami Modernism," his firsthand account of the mid-century architectural period. A native Floridian, he was born in Jacksonville, FL, to Morris & Esther Giller. He was predeceased by Frances Schwartz Giller his wife for 52 years, who was the mother of his 3 children, Anita (Elliot) Grossman, Brian (Suzy) Giller, and Ira (Honey) Giller. He is survived by his current wife Vivian, who has been a great friend and companion, making his last years very enjoyable and happy. Her daughter is Leslie (Craig) Coller. He was loved & admired by his grandchildren Benjamin (Michal) Grossman, Ethan and Emily Grossman, Jason and Jamie Giller, Sarah (John) Nelson and Sam Giller. He welcomed into the family his grandchildren Molly and Rachel Coller and Bryan and Stephanie Jacobs. He was especially delighted with his great-grandchildren, Aharon Tzvi, Malky and Shimon Dov Grossman and Jack Nelson. He was always there for his vast family, especially his nieces Wendy Hunt and Jessica Smith and nephews Marvin, Peter and Monty Schwartz, and Harry Moatz as well as his many cousins. Services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Ave., Miami Beach. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.