Alan Jay Gold

Gold, Alan Jay – an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on March 13, 2024. He was born in New York City on October 21, 1933, to Sonia Katzman Gold and Matthew Gold. Alan, an only child, was raised in a loving home in Oklahoma City. He was a proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity member, where he gained his first entrepreneurial experience running the fraternity’s bar. Following his service in the Air Force, he moved to New York City and began a successful retail career at Macy’s. At age 35 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, the company’s youngest senior executive. He later moved his family to Oklahoma City and started Accessory Lady, the nation’s first chain of women’s fashion accessory stores, which he sold to Melville Corporation in 1987.

He married the love of his life, Rita Sue Jaffe, on July 12, 1959, and for the following 64 years they shared an incredible life filled with family, business, fun, and philanthropy. He is survived by his daughter Mary Lee (Michael) Broder, son Jim (Beth) Gold, and grandchildren Katie (Kyle Richless) and Brian Broder and Caroline and Matthew Gold. Following his retirement from Accessory Lady, Alan remained extremely active in both philanthropic and professional activities, serving as a Board Member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Temple Emanu-El, The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies at the University of Texas Dallas and The World of Children. He also fervently supported the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. In addition to serving as an original Board Member of Fossil, Inc., Alan mentored countless people, offering his sage advice and wisdom as they began their careers. The Vogel Alcove, an early childhood center for homeless children, was his greatest passion. He was a tireless advocate for homeless families, serving as the Alcove’s President and board member. Over the course of thirty years he raised millions of dollars and positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and their families. Alan’s generosity and unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community came with a huge heart and genuine interest in all people.

His efforts always centered on the cause rather than himself, serving as a constant reminder of one’s responsibilities beyond family and work. He leaves a beautiful legacy to his family and the many lives he touched. Following a private burial, a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 15, at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, Stern Chapel, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Vogel Alcove or the charity of one’s choice.