DIANE BELFER

BELFER--Diane. Diane Belfer, known for her humor and impeccable style, died at her home in Palm Beach. Diane's life truly came full circle as she passed January 2, 2022, her 94th birthday. She was an ardent supporter of higher education, medical research and the arts. She spearheaded many successful fund-raiser events and sat on the boards of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, American Friends of the Hebrew University, American Friends of the Israel Museum, American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and New York University. Diane's love of the arts began in childhood. A patron of many illustrious institutions, she was particularly honored to support The Kravis Center and The Norton Museum. Over the years, her Sculpture Gallery and Endowment at the Norton supported many notable exhibitions. A native New Yorker, Diane began her life in The Heights. The eldest daughter of Benedict and Sylvia (Jacobs) Firkser, she was later joined by sisters, Janet Leeds (deceased) and Gladys Kanner (deceased). A talented pianist and singer, she attended The Calhoun School as a Fine Arts major while also attending the Preparatory Division of Julliard. She left New York University after one year to wed textile executive, Edward Endelson. They settled in New England with their two children until his death in 1960. Diane resettled in New York where she met and married prominent businessman and philanthropist, Arthur Belfer. They were married for 28 years until his death in 1993. A long-time member of the Palm Beach Country Club, Diane made Palm Beach her permanent home shortly after Arthur's death. Settled in Palm Beach, she continued her philanthropic work supporting many local Jewish causes, particularly Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Diane is survived by her son, Kenneth Endelson and his wife Sherry, her daughter Kathi Cypres and her husband Gary and her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was sharp-witted but never biting; polished but never prissy; dazzling but never flashy. There will be a small, private funeral service for family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to the NYU Langone Division of Geriatric Medicine or The Albert Einstein College of Medicine Diabetes Research Center.