Gerald Nathanson, 80, died March 22, 2017.
Mr. Nathanson was born in Detroit, Mich. He was the founder and/or CEO of Midland Sales, Jefferson Wards, JM Fields, McCrory and Pay N Save, many of which were multibillion dollar businesses. He ended his business career as the owner/CEO of Tattoo Manufacturing in Tucson, which grew to be the world’s largest manufacturer of temporary tattoos before selling the company to a private equity firm six years ago. He had a long history in Jewish philanthropy as a founder of his temple in Midland, Mich., chairman of the Men’s Division at Jewish Federation in Miami and member of the board of Jewish Federation in Miami. He started a high school in Israel, where he was active in fundraising, and supported the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s Leaf fund which helps families in need.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Thelma; children, Joyce Sinclair, Sharon Shi and Rick and Stephanie Nathanson; sister, Beverly Kruger; and nine grandchildren.
Graveside services were held at East Lawn Cemetery, with Rabbi Yossie Shemtov officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s Leaf program.
