BRUCE GELB

GELB--Bruce S. On November 17, 2025, at age 98, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and caregivers at his home in Naples, Florida. Beloved husband of the late Lueza Thirkield Gelb; loving father of John (Sherry), Jody (former son-in-law Jacek Jarkowski), Richard (late Tana), and Connie (Scott Otteman); adoring grandfather of Nathaniel, John (Morgana), Serena, Dora and Daniel and three great-granddaughters: Lucia, Gia and Clara; beloved uncle of Larry (Anki), Lucy (Frank) and Jim (Jennie). He was predeceased by his beloved older brother, Richard L. and wife, Rusty Gelb, his cherished granddaughter, Lueza Wanda Jarkowski and his niece, Jane Gelb. His father, Lawrence Gelb and mother, Joan Bove founded Clairol, Inc. His life was defined by creativity, adventure and public service. Former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium under George H.W. Bush, Director, U.S. Information Agency (1989-1991) and retired Vice Chairman of Bristol-Myers Squibb. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946, graduated Yale in 1950 and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1953. He loved music and was an accomplished pianist. His home was filled with the sounds of Puccini, Bill Evans, Burt Bacharach, Chopin, Sondheim, Celine Dion and Dionne Warwick. A self- taught sailor, mentored by his dear friends, Lloyd and Edwin, our father could steer his sloop through pea-soup fog using traditional navigation tools. We're grateful for his dedicated caregivers: Lidia Perez, Mary Clarke, Catherine Higgins, Caroline Sammon, Amanda Duran, Crystal Echevarria, Chiler Jean, Lewis Eugene, Wener Julot, Dorothy Foresyth and Anelise Jean as well as DiGrazia and Thirkield family members. Interment private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. He will be deeply missed.