With Daryal Kafkasso Erdem and, Ali Amidi from Kafkasso Band.

At a meeting at Tampa Bay Magazine office.

Aaron was an avid supporter of Art and, artists.
Whenever a support for a good cause was needed, he never hesitated to roll up his sleeves, grab his pen, camera and approach the task, no matter what it was involved. His generosity of creativity as a writer and, publisher was always shared without limit! This photo was taken at an event in Tampa with Kafkasso Band performing at the event.

I met Aaron at a Clearwater Garden Club Benefit Luncheon.  I told him that I loved his Tampa Bay Magazine, and his Flowered Shirt.  Aaron said, "Thank you",  then we took a Selfie Together.  It made my Day.  Thank you Aaron. RIP.

Once in a lifetime opportunity knowing Aaron. Many years ago I interned at Tampa Bay Magazine. Aaron taught me so much.  Not  just about the magazine business, but about approaching life with gusto. I later became Associate Editor and my seven years at the magazine resulted in lasting memories. Thank you Aaron.

It is with deep sadness that I just learned of Aaron’s passing . Yet I feel blessed to have known Aaron for so many of my years here in  Tampa Bay and that I could call him and Margaret friends and know that I would be seeing them at so many of the same events we would frequent .  My deepest condolences to Margaret and the family . And sending warm hugs, prayers and love . So sorry I missed his celebration.

My condolences to Aaron’s family. Many years ago when he brought his car in for service, he would say, “just take care of it”. He was a true gentleman and I appreciated his trust. It always felt like more than just business and he had a very warm personality. I ran into him a few times after leaving the company and he always greeted me with a smile. I enjoyed reading the “from the editor” section of the magazine and I feel very happy and lucky to have had the few interactions with him. Rest in peace Aaron.

Having known Aaron for more than 35 years, I never stopped learning thing of value from him. He spoke from the mind and the heart at the same time, never wavering in his convictions.  He was an inspiration to so many in Tampa Bay.
Donna and I are so privileged to have known and befriended him.  May he rest in peace, while his ideas continue to move us all to a better community!

Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing Aaron Fodiman, and only met him once at, fittingly, the Golden Anniversary of the Miniature Art Society of Florida, I am delighted to write this based on all of the contributions that he and Margaret gave to the Tampa Bay arts community and, in particular, MASF.  When I became President a little over a year ago, his name was legend.  We have many people who love miniature art and have contributed both time and money to this rare art form, but there are less than a handful who have had such a significant impact on the growth and appreciation of fine art in miniature.
Aaron and Margaret both realized that growth and appreciation depend on visibility, and through their wonderful publication, Tampa Bay Magazine, they educated readers on the uniqueness of miniature art and how it needs to be treasured in our community.  Their personal dedication was evident through their sponsorship of thirteen of our early International Exhibitions at the Kapok Tree Inn as well as their ongoing support through their magazine.  This dedication earned them a permanent legacy among miniature artists across the globe.  Recognition of these efforts was evident in the unanimous MASF Board decision to bestow upon them the Miniature Palette Award, an exceedingly rare honor by the second oldest miniature art society in the country.
We have lost a great man but his good works will endure forever.  Thank you, Aaron (and Margaret) for your vision and passion that have enriched all of our lives.

Aaron, Margaret, Missy & Al were valued attendees at countless Disney Worid press events on land and sea. I dearly miss those days!  Aaron holding court in his inimitable way - there shoulda been a cover charge to hear his pearls of wisdom! Aaron and Margaret were unfailingly generous in their Disney reviews for the magazine. Much appreciated. I’m sure  readers have them to thank for memorable Disney vacations they helped shape.. RIP Aaron. Rick Sylvain, Disney World PR.

Absolute treasure of a human being.  Taught me so much over the years…cotillion, politics, the law, confidence and humor.  I’ve never met anyone as dynamic, and he made the world a brighter place.  

Bobby Metz

SO SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE  PASSING OF ONE OF THE TRUE ENDURING PERFECT HEARTS AND MINDS  OF TAMPA BAY INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL,  CHARITABLE  and CULTURAL life and inspiration...

Aaron Fodiman in partnership with his beloved Margaret Word Burnside and their ownership of Tampa Bay Magazine were responsible for creating a sense of place, diversity, creativity and commerce in the Tampa Bay region.  The Dunedin Fine Art Center and the Dunedin History Museum owe a great legacy to Aaron. Always humorous and direct with advise and help. Thank you for your support and love.

The “Godfather”  enhanced our lives in so many ways. He lives in our hearts daily.

Aaron was truly the “Godfather “ as 
Andrea and Paul Jarvis called him. No one will ever be able to fill his shoes ( or his wild socks)

Margaret,

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Aaron. My heart goes out to you, your family, and close friends. I will always be grateful to Aaron who showed unending support when I was the marketing director at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the American Victory Ship. It was always such a joy to visit and chat with him. He was the pillar of our community and an exemplary human being. The world was a much better place with him in it.

May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Cindy Bosselmann

Dearest Margaret and Family
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Aaron. Aaron was Larger Than Life with a Wicked Sense of Humor and was such a Gracious and Humble Man who always made people feel Better about themselves. Thank You Aaron for All of your Kind Words. You will be Truly Missed. 
Sincerely With Love,
Bryan and Suzanne King

There is no greater Friend who  you could ever have , to make you laugh ,see life full of brightness and color and who savored every last drop !  He will be Missed by all and remembered everyday for the Giant Heart full of Love for all!
We will Miss you so much!!!
Dick and Linda Greco

Twenty-five years ago, I met Arron as a fellow competitor in the magazine industry. As I spent more time in publishing and spent more time with Arron and Margaret at fundraising dinner tables, I started to see them as friends and role models. I looked forward to seeing this dynamic duo at social events we both covered. Yes, Aaron had a big personality, but he had many layers and the confidence to live life his way. I’m so grateful that Ronda and I had some time to visit with him just a few weeks before he passed away. We will always cherish the memories we made at the Vinoy.

I’ll miss our lively discussions about the publishing business and the pursuit of a good life. May we all be bold and live life on our own terms as Aaron did.

Sorry for this.Aaron was larger than life,but incredibly generous to  myself,and to David.May his memory  be for a Blessing.




Jane Molloy

London

While I have only known Aaron for 5 years, we were friends and confidants. Aaron has always been a great supporter of my work and career.  A cornerstone to the arts community and more, Aaron has helped many launch a careers and be a friend. Known for his marvelous outfits, one of my favorite memories was at at a Museum of Art and Crafts Gala, when we both dressed splendidly and one of Aaron's friends commented, "I don't know Aaron, olls like you have finally met your match" to which Aaron replied, "Louis and I do not compete with each other, we compliment each other". A gentleman and a master, he of course, will be missed, but more than that, remembered fondly for all that he has brought to our community. Mei and I offer our best wishes to Margaret and family, but join you in the memories of an extraordinary man.

Our deepest sympathy to Margaret and all the family. 
Aaron was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He left the world a happier place.
May he rest in peace.

I just heard Aaron's passing last night. Aaron and Margaret have been friends for many years through all of our Charitable Work. 
He was one of a kind and an amazing man. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Margaret and family.

I remember interviewing with Aaron 28 years ago at Tampa Bay Magazine when I was relocating from Baton Rouge, LA and new to the Tampa Bay area. Since then, our paths have crossed many times through all my employment changes and I have always admired the dedication and work it takes to produce such a high end magazine for so many years. I enjoyed interacting with Aaron and Margaret at events and will miss Aaron's hugs and smile. I'm sure he's orchestrating something wonderful in heaven. My sincere condolences to Margaret. He leaves a big void in all our hearts.

The legacy Aaron leaves is one rich with kindness, generosity, wisdom and fun.  Deepest sympathies to Margaret and all who loved him.  We will miss Aaron at every charitable, musical, theatrical and community event. We are expecially thankful to have shared a moment at the Longest Table on April 17th, and very sad that it was the last.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Aaron's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Aaron and Margaret throughout my career. Aaron and Margaret graciously covered our annual Tampa General Hospital Foundation Gala and Circus fundraisers for many years. The TGH  Foundation was one of countless organizations for which they generously supported. Aaron's bright and delightful personality will always be remembered.  Aaron and Margaret were always the best dressed attendees at all the events and it was evident that they were deeply devoted to each other and enjoyed life to the fullest. Tampa Bay Magazine has been a treasure to this community for decades. I will be forever grateful to Aaron and Margaret and will miss him dearly. This photo was taken in Sept. of 2022 at my mother Marion's 100th Birthday party at The Orlo in Hyde Park.  I was honored to have them celebrate this important milestone for our family.  My deepest sympathy to Margaret and to everyone who will cherish his memory.

We are so sorry to hear of Aaron's passing!  Although we did not know him as long as many in our community, it was a pleasure to know him as we did.  Not only will we miss him personally, but his articles and musings in the Tampa Bay Magazine will be greatly missed as well.

God bless Margaret and the others who were so close to him. 

Ted &  Pamala Morris 
(The Salvation Army)

It was always fun having dinner or attending an event at your home on Victoria Dr.  Ann and I won’t be able walk by without fond memories.

All of us at Suncoast Jazz Festival were saddened to hear of Aaron's passing. He was a fan, a supporter and a champion of our festival for many years. Our condolences to Margaret, and the rest of his family, and to his many, many friends.

I was shocked to learn today of Aaron's passing on April 19th. 
Aaron and I go way back. I forgot where we met, but my Florida State Great Ferris Wheel graced the cover of Tampa Bay Magazine over 30 years ago. Some of my other photos have also appeared.
We actually share a lot in common. We both are Tulane Green Wave; we both are editors of publications, Aaron the Tampa Bay Magazine, and I, The Bulletin of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. We also had ownership interests in area restaurants, so I was told today.
We have a flair for sporty, flashy shirts and are each married to wonderful women, Aaron, Margaret, or Gram as know to most, and I to Elke.
Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Fodiman family, friends, staff at TBM, and to all who enjoyed Aaron's entertaining style of writing and publishing efforts.
David Lubin, MD--Divad
Elke Lubin--Ekle

My sincerest sympathy for this great loss. Aaron was very kind to me as I was embarking on my art business. He told many funny stories, and I found him to be very entertaining. I’ll always be grateful for his help. God bless the family.

I am so sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing. He was a special friend to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay and a frequent guest of ours throughout the years of my leadership. Colorful and forever dancing, he will be missed. ❤️💔

My friend, I will miss running into you in all the beautiful places in our community. Thank you for the imprint you and Margaret have made on our community and for the friendship you always extended to those around you. Ms. Margaret, we love you and we grieve with you and your family. Praying for you all. 
Bob & Janet

Dearest Margaret and Family! I am so saddened to hear of Aaron’s passing! What a brilliant man. I so enjoyed all of his articles in the Tampa Bay magazine I had the privilege of knowing him throughout all the charity events  we were involved with.  We lost  a very kind and giving soul, but his memories will carry on Sincerely…… Mickie Moore.❤️🙏

My heartfelt condolences Margaret.  Aaron will be forever loved.................and never forgotten.

My deepest sympathy to Margaret, family snd friends. Aaron was a respected advocate for so many charities and the Tampa. Bay community. He was always a consummate professional.

Such a wonderful man to know, to listen to , He always had a smile for you , and a hug , A big heart for the Community.  Aaron will be missed by so many , We here at HEP loved him,  our thoughts are with Margaret and family in this time. Barb Green

One of my earliest memories of Aaron was the Arty Party at the Kapok Tree.  We had so much fun, dressed in colorful, wild clothes, dancing with many DFAC members. There have been many other fun memories since then.  I admired his leadership and support of the Arts, the Library, and many other Tampa Bay organizations.  His editorials made me smile and ponder his words.  RIP Aaron.  You will be missed.

Aaron, you and Margaret are a part of a family. We mourn your passing but cherish the times we spent together laughing and loving.  You were the jolliest of fellows and a light wherever you were placed. You will be missed dearly. All of our love to your family and special love to Margaret, we love you just as much.  ❤️

Margaret, my heart hurts for you.  Those of us who had the honor of knowing Aaron knew he was bigger than life and you both brightened every room you entered.  He made a lasting footprint on this earth and will be deeply missed.  Aaron was truly one of a kind, one of the good guys.

Dear Margaret,  Aaron was such an amazing person and together, you both poured so much into our community. We are so grateful for our friendship over the decades. Praying for you and your family. Ken & Julie Peluso

Dearest Margaret:

Aaron is one of the kindest most caring persons I’ve ever known. He was always there to give and never asked for anything in return. Heaven has surely gained another Angel🙏.

Dear Margaret,  
We are so sorry for your loss. 
Aaron always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind way of relating to others. His generosity,  wonderful stories  and delightful disposition will always be remembered. He could converse on any subject. Aaron was a delight to be with and he was everywhere.   I hope the support of all your friends and Tampa Bay’s  performing arts community will  provide some relief to you during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Charley and Mary Scourtes Greacen

Dear sweet Margaret,  we are saddened to learn of the loss of Aaron.  Our prayers and love go out to you and your family.   We will play "Satin Doll" one more time for both of you!  God Bless, 
Pepper & Fine Thyme Jazz & Swing Band

Aaron was a kindhearted lion of a man - brilliant lawyer, elegant dancer, perceptive observer of human nature, witty humorist, insightful writer. We knew him as tireless champion of the arts. With his beloved Margaret ever by his side, Aaron  was indefatigable. He made everywhere he went and everyone he touched so much better. Aaron - you are already sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to Margaret and family.
Susana and Yann

My sincere condolences to you Margaret  and  your immediate family for the passing of your true love Aaron. Words are never enough to express how much one’s passing away impacts each of us. I had the pleasure of knowing Aaron for over 25 years as an Executive Manager in the hospitality industry. His continuous support of so many people, places and purposes was so special and significant to and for the Tampa Bay community at large. My personal favorite moment was when as the General Manager of the Dunedin Golf Club I called to personally invite him to a “ Throwback Thursday “ dining experience honoring the Kapok Tree Restaurant. We spent sone time discussing the history and what would be on the menu.  We served in excess of 100 patrons that night including Aaron, Margaret and several others who were guests at his table of 8.  He was such a gentleman and was so appreciative of the recognition and execution of the evening's format. If you looked up the words Genuine, Unique and Class you’ll  find his name and photo representing  each of these words. You’re going to be missed immensely Aaron. A local Legend/ Icon  for sure. ❤️🙏❤️

Dear Margaret, 

My deepest condolences in the loss of your wonderful Aaron.  I will remember him  ever with respect + gratitude and with a heart of JOY to honor the love + happiness  he shared with us all 💎

Our heartfelt condolences on Aaron’s passing.
May his loving memory be eternal. Our prayers are with you Margaret, during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Artie and Sylvia Tzekas

Great memories at Clearwater Jazz Holiday!
Aaron will be greatly missed 💔 at Jazz Holiday and in the entire community!

Margaret and Family - We are so very sorry to hear of Aaron's passing.  Our deepest condolences to you all.   May his memory be a blessing.

What an amazing, take no prisoners  man. Aaron helped to guide me professionally for close to two decades and was always  very supportive. Congratulations dear Aaron for your life well lived.

Dear Margaret,

My deepest condolences to you at this time.  I have always had fond memories of Aaron.  He was a great story teller and very creative.
He and Wally had fun telling stories!!

I know you will miss him but know that he is now in a better place.

I am truly sorry for your loss Margaret .

Love and best wishes,
Trudy Stracey  

Trudy Stracey and g

I appreciated Aaron’s kindness and support to me when I started my own magazine in 2010. When he saw me at media events, mostly at Disney World!, he would ask how things were going and would encourage me to keep going. It was noticeable that he was respected everywhere he was, and that he genuinely cared about the work he did to support the community. Good media leaders are important to the health of a community. It’s sad we have lost this, and that there won’t be another one like him. May God rest his soul and bless his family.

Aaron and Margaret could always be found supporting so many cultural events throughout our community. He leaves a legacy and will be missed.  I hope those happy memories will lift you up, Margaret, in the days to come.

an unbelievable kind, compassionate, funny, insightful, talented....the list goes on.  A true force in the community who will be missed.  With great respect and love.  Joan Dragon

What a man. What a life.

Eugenie and I consider ourselves blessed to have been his friends. 

We send our love and sympathy to the beautiful Margaret and the rest of his family.

He touched so many lives!

Aaron was the most wonderful and magical man who helped me very early in my arts career going back to the 1980s at the Dali Museum.  A gentle and most helpful giant who did so much good.   Tampa Bay is a far better place because of Aaron.  May he rest in peace and be forever in our collective hearts.

Fond memories of the first time meeting Aaron and Barbara in 2018 at the Mermaid Masquerade at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Heritage Museum. His legacy be eternal.

Aaron was a creative genius. May He rest in power.

My heartfelt condolences to Margaret and the entire family. Aaron was a longtime supporter of the Straz Center and Opera Tampa, and it was both an honor and a pleasure to work with him, Margaret, and their team at Tampa Bay Magazine. He was always a bright light in any room, with a sharp wit and a generous spirit. Rest in peace, my friend and passionate advocate for the arts.

— Bill Rolon
Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Dear Margaret,  we are so sorry for your loss. 
Aaron was a wonderful, genuine person, and his memory will be cherished.  Always a positive influence to so many. 
How fortunate for us to be a part of such a special group of friendships. 
May you find comfort in the memories you shared.
Love, Carol & Tom Patterson

How do you celebrate a life that was itself a celebration? Aaron, for 65 years you brightened our lives, miss you already.
Love, Cookie and Charlie

You will always be remembered fondly by all of the Clearwater Cotillion students that you taught over the years. You were always so patient and kind with us.  May you have peace and your family be comforted by the love you shared.

Dear Margaret,   Aaron’s humor, insight and generosity of spirit will be missed by all of Tampa Bay and very much by Cary and I. 
Sincerest condolences. 
Ela Sulimirski Landegger. 🌹

Margaret and Family,                                                                                                                            
  I always enjoyed my conversations with Aaron ! His knowledge of many topics and our shared time in Washinton  D.C. always kept are talks bright and fluid.                                                                                                                        May your wonderful memories of Aaron bring you some comfort at this sad time.                                                                                                                                          Sending much healing light your way.

I will always remember Aaron for his wit sense of humor and his advice and guidance on any issues that you asked him about. Of course I could sit for hours listening to his wonderful stories about his experiences  on the interesting positions he held in a life full of accomplishments.  He will be missed by so many people. 
My deepest sympathies to Margaret 
                                                   Bill forte

Such a giant in the arts! We thank him for uplifting the visual and performing arts in Tampa Bay!

Our deepest condolences for your loss. It is so difficult to lose both a loving and loved one. We always appreciated and enjoyed his intellect.
With condolences,
Marc and Jan Kadushin

Our Prayers are with you, Margaret and the family, during this difficult time. Aaron was a special person with his smile, the stories, the wisdom, and his caring way will be missed by many, but never forgotten. 
God Bless
Rob and Diane Klingel

My deepest condolences to Margaret and the family on the passing of Aaron.  He was a one-of-a kind person with incredible wit, and a unique sense of style.  He will be missed.

I know Aaron is now in the comforting arms of our Lord; may he rest in peace.

May God blanket you with His love, Margaret, and fill you with beautiful memories full of joy, laughter, and love.  Aaron gave his heart of gold to everyone he met and will always be a cherished leader of our community.  Bruce and I send our heartfelt condolences.

We’re so sorry  to lose such a wonderful human being & friend. Our sympathies go out to Margaret & family that God may guide them through this difficult time.  Thank you Aaron for such great memories & sharing your words of wisdom with many over the years.  May you RIP💔💔Rick & Dottie

Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and adding so much to all of our lives.  Try to behave, as best you can, until we meet again. I am not expecting perfection, but at least try. 
Love you. 
Lisa

a man whose love of life, family, and community was infectious--he inspired and will continue to do so--thank you aaron fodiman--everlasting be your memory--carolyn and i send our condolences to margaret and the family

We are deeply saddened to learn about Aaron's passing on Easter weekend. It was Aaron with Margaret who helped put "Eugen's Restaurant" in Belleair Bluffs "on the map" in 1985 - later to be called and still in flourishing existence "E&E Stakeout Grill." Aaron Fodiman assisted with lavish advertising in his wonderful "Tampa Bay Magazine" and we are eternally grateful for his generosity and good will towards us and our new enterprise. Thank you, Aaron - may you rest in peace. Sincere condolences to Margaret and the family - we will never forget Aaron. Yours faithfully - Lucy with Chef Erwin Scheuringer and partners, Eugen & Eileen Fuhrmann.

Aaron will forever have a seat in my heart and at the table!  So supportive and we had great conversations. You will be missed by many. Thanks for the memories.

Our deepest sympathies to Margaret and the Fodiman family. A true legend has passed through the gates of heaven .

With love and memories,

Frank and Linda Alfano

I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Aaron Fodiman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

I feel fortunate to have known Aaron, and his presence in my life left an indelible mark. His kindness and generosity toward me were truly remarkable, and his warmth was palpable. Whenever we interacted, I felt seen and appreciated.

Aaron's humor and sharp wit could light up a room, and his wisdom was invaluable. I cherished the times we spent together, and the lessons I learned from him have stayed with me. And who could forget his bold and colorful fashion choices, which always made him the center of attention? His style was a reflection of his vibrant personality, and it always brought a smile to my face.

May Aaron's memory be a blessing to you all, and may his legacy of love, kindness, wisdom, and flair continue to inspire us.

Rest in peace, Aaron. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew you.

Aaron… your smile lights a room, your persona is larger than life and your heart is pure gold. You touched countless lives with your warmth, insight, humor and love. We know you will keep looking out for us, and especially Margaret…the loveliest of ladies. You will forever be in our midst. 
Margaret, we will always be here for you to provide comfort and even bits of joy
Merrilee and Jeff Gerew

OBITUARY

Aaron Rosen Fodiman

October 10, 1937 – April 19, 2025

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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