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JEREMIAH LIGHTER Obituary

LIGHTER--Jeremiah B., born Philadelphia, March 23, 1921, son of Julius and Sema Tabachnick Lighter, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2013 in Manhattan. A gifted artist, he signed his art "Lighter" or "Umy", an affectionate family name. His career as print director, art director, book designer and illustrator spanned from 1945 to 2008. He taught design at School of Visual Arts, Parsons School of Design and Queens College. He was an active hiker, bicyclist, chess player and kite flyer. He built and sailed model boats in Central Park. Gladys Spielberg, his beloved wife of over forty years, pre-deceased him. He is survived by a niece, Marina Bokelman, and nephews Jon and Andrew Bokelman.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 19, 2013.

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6 Entries

David Vigon

August 26, 2023

I loved Jerry. I was a boy who lived next door in apt 7H. Jerry inspired me so much with his jovial wit reflected in his whimsical paintings, and his technical ability to build working model sailboats and and a electric light sculpture. He made two sailboats for me, my brother and sister, and my parents drove us all to Central Park to sail his beautiful boats. He also loaned me his beloved copy of Spinosa. I was very proud when he admired some of my first paintings. He was wonderful and unforgettable. I hope to see images of his fantastic paintings in digital form. Gladys was very sweet and kind. -David Vigon

The day of Christopher's graduation from the Lawrenceville School

October 25, 2013

We'll miss Jerry, a gallant, elegant, talented friend. We had a lot of fun together.

Deborah (Schure) Lokin

October 20, 2013

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Jerry was a mentor to me when I joined Harcourt in 1969. He introduced me to typography, book design and calligraphy, and challenged me at every turn. (And, like me, he could whistle anything!)

He was one of the most creative people I have ever known, and I will always think of him. I feel very lucky to have known him -- and to have a few of his drawings to remember him by.

Linda Lindroth

October 20, 2013

I worked with Jerry at Harcourt Brace and World, then Harcourt Brace Jovanovich from 1969 until the mid-1970's. We worked in the department that produced elementary and high school English and Science textbooks. Jerry and I stayed in touch for many years exchanging artful holiday cards. Jerry was such a delightful, youthful, and charming man that I thought him ageless. I have many of his drawings, mostly of cats, and fond memories of pranks (as a newbie he once sent me out to buy a pound of half tone dots). I have missed him daily because when I worked at Harcourt it was a community of caring friends producing wonderful textbooks. Book publishing has changed since those days. We'll miss you Jerry.

Robert Rostand

October 20, 2013

To Umy's family--I grew up 2 floors above Umy and Gladys. I spent many evenings with Umy who taught me to play chess and appreciate his playing the banjo and uke. Recently whenever I came up to NYC I would always see Jerry and the last time we were together we had dinner at one of his favorite haunts...the grand central oyster bar. Like all good new yorkers he had an opinion about everything, but his laugh was infectious. I have several of his wood block prints and pastels. He was a dear dear friend...he will be sorely missed.

Susan Joseph

October 19, 2013

Condolences to the family from a colleague OF Jerry's at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (1971-82)

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