Irving Getz

Getz, Irving, 84, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 6, 1923, in Cincinnati, OH, Irving moved to Miami, FL at the age of fourteen with his mother and father, Elsie and Samuel Getzug, and his sister Anyce (Lavigne). He attended high school at the Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta and college at the University of Florida. From there, he enlisted in the United States Army. He attended Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning, GA, where he graduated as a Second Lieutenant. He then served in Germany before returning back home to Miami. After his military service, Irving began working at his father's small jewelry store in downtown, Miami. He succeeded in turning Mayor's Jewelers into what is considered the most well run group of fine jewelry stores in the South. Irving had become a true icon of quality and leadership in the jewelry industry. He was regarded as a trusted, loyal, and warmhearted man with enduring friendships, many of which began during his youth. Among his many professional associations and accomplishments, Irving was President of the Jewelers of America, a board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a member of the New York Diamond Dealers Club, and the first ever inductee into the National Jewelers Hall of Fame. Nothing was more important to Irving than his family. He met his wife, and love of his, life Joan Brick Getz in 1950, and married in March of 1951. They had four children, Neil (Elise), Richard, Beth (Larry) Zuckerman and Samuel (Jennifer), and eleven grandchildren: Lauren, Teddi, Lucy, and Charlie Zuckerman, Alexander, David, Daniel, Maxwell, Monroe, Stella, Amalie Getz. He also leaves loving nieces and nephews. As successful in his personal life as he was in his professional career, Irving was a renowned skeet shooter who won State, Regional and World Chapionships. He later became an avid cyclist, fly fisherman, skier and marathon runner, particularly during the many years that the family spent in Aspen, Colorado. Blessed with loving family, business success, and a rewarding personal life, Irving always believed in the importance of giving back to the community. He was a Founder of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital, the Jackson Memorial Foundation, and the South Miami Hospital/Baptist Health Foundation. He was also a supporter of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, The Arsht Center for the performing Arts, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, among many other philanthropic pursuits. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. Honey, Dad, Pop-Pop: you lived a wonderful life and always wanted the best for everyone around you. We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments, and we all look up to you for inspiration as to how we would like to live our lives. Thank you for being you; you will be greatly missed. Our family wishes to express their gratitude to Elsie Lewis and Leila Sookram, who gave Irving such wonderful and loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his name, to the charity of your choice. Services will be held at Temple Beth Am, 5950 SW 88th Street, Miami, FL at 12:30 PM today. Interment will follow at Mount Nebo-Miami Memorial Gardens, 5505 NW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33126. All funeral arrangements through the RIVERSIDE GORDON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, (305) 531-1151.