Sidney J. Gefen

Sidney Josef Gefen, 95, born in Far Rockaway, New York, but a Jacksonville resident for 75 years, passed away December 12, 2015. He was the son of Nathan and Bertha Gefen. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Lois Isaac Gefen, of which they were married for 70 years.

He will be dearly missed by his family of three daughters, Ann Grenadier (Ed), Barbara Jaffe (Larry), and Carol Greenspan (Bruce); as well as his seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Robert Grenadier, Todd Grenadier, Ivy Butterworth(Dan), Bradley Zimmerman, Sandy Zimmerman, Adam Greenspan (Leslie), and Logan Greenspan (Nancy). His great grandchildren are Kyle, Emma, Max, Jane, Ethan, Josh, Samantha, Brooke, Leah, Drew and Asher.

He was a lifelong active member of the Congregation Ahavath Chesed. He was currently chairman of the Eric Friedheim Foundation and instrumental in establishing the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at the University of Florida. Mr. Gefen was an active community participant in many philanthropic organizations including United Way Tocqueville Society. In recent years he was honored with a city park dedicated in his name on the St. Johns River, north riverbank, the Sidney J. Gefen Riverwalk Park. He recently was invited and went on a US Military honor flight to Washington, DC—and recognized for his service as a veteran of World War II. He served in the US Army Air Force. He was the 2011 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Florida Faculty Clinic for 10 years.

He was an important leader in the tourism industry for Florida. He founded International Productions and staged massive annual international trade shows for the tourism industry. Mr. Gefen was a proud member of the Masonic Ionic Lodge #101 F&AM, a 32nd degree Mason and member of Morocco Shrine. Sid was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed golfing his whole life. He was a founding member of Beauclerc Country Club Family, religion, and his good name were his guiding principles.

A funeral service will be held for him on Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Temple. Burial was followed at Greenlawn Cemetery, King David Section.

Contributions can be made in his memory to the Gefen Choir at the Congregation Ahavath Chesed, to River Garden, or the charity of your choice. Words of comfort can be left at www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, is serving the family.