Jacob Katz

Jay was born in Havana, Cuba in 1930 to Zuzman and Anna Katz. His family moved to Panama, and at age 9, Jay made an unescorted trip aboard a ship to live with relatives in New York City, USA. Jay became a naturalized citizen in 1947. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1954, Jay entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Jay began working in the family-owned children’s clothing store as a merchandise buyer. Soon after, Jay accepted a job at Giant as merchandise buyer, where he worked for 20 years. Jay transitioned to the Federal Government at the General Services Administration, where he was a buyer for specialized government vehicles. He retired from GSA after 20 years of service. After retiring, Jay split his time between Florida and Maryland, until he finally decided to reside permanently in Florida.

Jay married Marion Nordlinger, and together they raised two children, Robert and Barbara.

Jay had a passion for gardening. Every spring and summer, while living in Maryland, Jay would plant and maintain vegetable gardens, and share the fruits of his labor. Jay also maintained a beautiful flower garden when he lived in Florida. Jay spent the summers with his children, grandchildren and friends at Rock Creek Pool, where he was a member for more than 50 years. Jay enjoyed painting watercolors, and loved going to museums, the theater and the symphony. Jay also loved adventures with his grandchildren. They spent time going to the National Zoo, movies, parks, and anywhere else his grandchildren wanted to go. His grandchildren meant the world to him. Jay always appreciated the time he spent with family and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Zuzman and his mother, Anna. He is survived by his two children, Robert and Barbara, his daughter in-in-law Janet, his son-in-law Philip, and his three grandchildren, Brittany, Alana and Philip. He is also survived by his sister Cecelia and her two children.