Obituary of Gilbert Gertner

Gilbert Gertner passed away peacefully on June 10, 2016, surrounded by family. Gil was born on March 26, 1925, in the Bronx, to Celia (nee Sultan) and Isadore Gertner, and was the youngest of four children. He was raised in New York, moving to New Jersey to start his family with Mildred, then to Houston in 1964 when his business interests led there. He was known as a jokester by all who knew him... young and old. Gil could entertain a crowd, and often did, with his repertoire of jokes and stories of past deals and life, aided by his incredible memory for people and details. Gil was a true friend and stayed in touch with both family and friends, treasuring both. A member of "the Greatest Generation", Gil enlisted at 17, lying about his age and proudly serving as a Tech Corporal in a JASCO (Joint Assault Communication) unit in the U.S. Army, with his story recorded by the New Orleans World War II Museum. Upon returning from the War, Gil met and married Mildred Kurlanchick and started a family, along with an adventure that would see his career grow from his first $25 commission as a broker to multi-million dollar international dealings, and a life of travel together that could be envied by all. His love of the Boeing 747 led to an amazing and successful quest to fly all airlines world-wide with them in their fleet. Gil also loved Israel and traveled there 36 times. He was active in many Jewish causes, serving as President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, President of Congregation Beth Yeshurun and on many Boards and committees. He was honored by many, including being chosen by the Zionist Organization of America as their "Man of the Year". Gil's investment career is too long to list fully. After a successful Real Estate career in New York City, Gil expanded around the country, purchasing hospitals, hotels and motels, increasingly in Texas, starting with Pasadena General Hospital in 1957, followed by Rockglen General and eventually the Medical Arts Building in downtown Houston, where Gil officed for many years upon moving here. In 1961 he purchased the Villa Capri Hotel and Restaurant in Austin, Texas, adjacent to UT. At one time the largest apartment owner in Houston, he served as President of the Houston Apartment Association. He negotiated the development of the first Hyatt Regency, partnering with the Pritzker family of Chicago. Gil came within an inch of buying the Houston Astros, the Astrodome lease, Astroworld and Astro arena in 1976. He took pride in financing PDAP, the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, here in Texas, as well as purchasing Deer Park Hospital, La Hacienda Drug Facility, and building Laurelwood Hospital. He has been Chairman of the Board of both U.S. and Israeli companies, taking some public, financed Stuart James Investment Banking, DSSI, an Israeli software company, and Worldwide PetroMoly Lubricating Company. Gil also donated precious land adjacent to The University of Houston, now Gertner Field, the intramural sports field, as well as immeasurable charitable contributions to both Houston and Israel. In 1989, he married Harriet Rosmarin in Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Ruth Terk and Roslyn Rosenthal, and is survived by wife, Harriet; brother, David Gertner; daughter, Dr. Caren Gertner Fritts and husband, Gene; son, Edward Gertner; grandchildren, Melissa Fritts, Mason, Reagan, Preston and Sam Gertner; nieces and nephews, Cindy Gertner; Scott Gertner; Marilyn Weisler and husband, Howard; Harold Terk and wife, Rachel; the family of Neil Terk (z''l) in Israel; Carolyn Rosenthal Bogdan; Joyce Rosenthal; stepson, Lance Rosmarin and wife, Valerie; stepdaughter, Marci Morgan and husband, Ronnie and their children, Ryan, Blake and Laura, as well as extended family and friends, many of whom were like adoptive family. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at the Michael E. DeBakey V.A. Medical Center and Hospital, especially Fariha Jamal, M.D., Lurie McAdow, P.A., and Joe Dinopol, R.N. who have supported him in being able to live such a full life. A funeral service will be held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a graveside ceremony at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery, 1037 N. Post Oak Rd. (across from Awty School) in Houston, officiated by Rabbi Jack Segal. Immediately following the burial, the family will receive guests at a reception at 8 Asbury Place, 77007. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Gil's memory with donations to Jewish National Fund, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston or the charity of your choice.