Gerald Howard Lipkin

Gerald Howard Lipkin, affectionately known as Gerry, passed away peacefully at the age of 84. Born on January 10, 1941, in Passaic, New Jersey, Gerry was the beloved son of Abe and Selma Lipkin and grew up in Clifton, NJ. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of professional achievement, community service, and enduring family love.

In 1964, Gerry married the love of his life, Linda, and together they built a beautiful life. They made their home in Montville, NJ, before retiring to Jupiter, Florida, where they enjoyed the next chapter of their lives.

Gerry earned a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers - The State University in 1963, followed by an M.B.A. in Banking & Finance from New York University in 1966. He furthered his education with a diploma from the prestigious Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 1972.

He began his career at the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency in 1963, rising to the role of Deputy Regional Administrator by 1970. In 1975, Gerry joined Valley National Bank, where he would shape the institution's future for the next four decades. He served in numerous leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as Chairman, CEO, and President—a position he held with distinction for nearly 30 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York becoming a respected voice in the banking industry nationwide.

Gerry's professional achievements were matched by a deep commitment to community service. He remained closely connected to his alma mater, serving on multiple boards at Rutgers University, including the Board of Overseers and the Business School’s Board of Advisors. He was honored with the Rutgers University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 and delivered the Business School’s commencement address in 2009.

His civic contributions spanned numerous organizations. He served as Chairman and Executive Committee Member of the New Jersey Bankers Association, a longtime Board Trustee at Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, and a tireless fundraiser for cancer research at the Lautenberg Center in Jerusalem, where he received the Torch of Learning Award. Additional honors include the Corporate Achievement Award from B’nai B’rith International, the Emily Bissell Honor Award from the American Lung Association, and recognition from the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.

Outside his professional and philanthropic commitments, Gerry nurtured a lifelong passion for antique toy trains, amassing a distinguished collection of pre–World War I European and American models.

Above all, Gerry was a family man. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Linda; his daughter Pamela and son-in-law Rob; his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Jayme; and his cherished grandchildren Zack, Jake, Ben, Allyson, and Jordyn. He is also survived by his brother Ken Lipkin, along with countless friends and colleagues who admired his leadership, integrity, and warmth.

Shiva will be observed immediately following services until 8:00 PM at the home of Pamela and Robert Sauertig, 20 Doremus Drive, Towaco, NJ. Shiva will continue on Saturday at the Sauertig Family home from 5:00 to 9:30 PM.

Additional Shiva will be on Sunday and Monday at the home of Jeff and Jayme Lipkin, 45 East Hartshorn Drive, Short Hills, NJ, Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Monday 3:00 to 9:00 PM.

Minyan service will start at 7:30 PM on each of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed either to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, particularly in support of Dr. Garrett Nash and Dr. David Ilson’s gastrointestinal cancer research; http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/HonoringGerry or to the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation, in support of Dr. Larry Norton and his breast cancer research; https://www.curebreastcancerfoundation.org.

A livestream of the service will be available at: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/113553/hash:18E920552FE44114

The family will be receiving guests for Gerald on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow at Pine Brook Jewish Cemetery, 77 Windsor Drive, Montville, New Jersey 07058.