George Feldenkreis' Obituary
Guided by the strength, determination and support of his loving family,
George was one of Miami’s most steadfast and respected Jewish business leaders. The son of Ukrainian immigrants, Elisa & Herman Feldenkreis, he was born in Havana Cuba. He studied at the University of Havana Law School and from a very young age displayed exceptional tenacity in leadership, advocacy and activism. A courageous survivor, he fled to the United States in 1961 defying communist oppression to
provide a new life with Dorita, his childhood sweetheart, wife and mother of his children, seeking freedom and success ultimately exemplifying the epitome of living the American dream.
From his humble beginnings to his illustrious career, his entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his curiosity, ambition and unique grit led him to establishing various successful companies. His first venture was Carfel today known as GFX, Inc., an automotive parts manufacturer, now owned by his loving daughter, Fanny Hanono. He then entered into the apparel industry creating and owning Supreme International, which is currently the global fashion house, Perry Ellis International, representing a 55+ year heritage of brands built and operated alongside his devoted son, business partner and best friend, Oscar Feldenkreis. His dedication, energy and work ethic was reflected by his diligent presence in the PEI headquarter offices until the very end and has genuinely been the inspiration to countless global associates and business partners worldwide.
George always displayed a keen sense of humility, compassion and intelligence coupled with his passion and wit through all his various endeavors. His ardent support to so many philanthropic causes earned him a myriad of civic, community and industry awards and accolades. His generosity and contribution to so many charitable organizations are immeasurable and represent his sincere concern for the welfare of those less fortunate. He instilled the importance of his Latin culture to his entire family and beyond.
He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami for over 20 years and has spent over 40 years as a Board Member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. He was extremely proud of his Jewish faith and was an avid champion and humanitarian to the State of Israel and its people. His involvement and contributions in this arena included spearheading so many triumphant UJA and AJC Federation campaigns and was a board member since 1983 and President of the Latin American Division, an honored by the USA government for his involvement in the Lincoln Marti project for Cuban refugees. He was a board member of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, supported endowments benefiting education such as the George Feldenkreis Program in Judaic Studies at the University of Miami, health initiatives such as the recipient of the Ramban Award in support of their Hospital in Haifai, Mt. Sinai, Baptist Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, UM Health Systems and the Transplant Foundation of Florida, Nicklaus Children's Hospital for pediatrics and many other meaningful causes. The family were proud supporters of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces with George’s goal and mission to eradicate Anti-Semitism and prejudice… always willing to share his insight, wisdom and beliefs.
He received countless professional honors from the fashion industry with recognitions from the American Apparel & Footwear American Image Awards Man of the Year, Father of the Year Award from the Father’s Day Council and a recent Lifetime Achievement Award from MR Magazine to name just a few.
George with his wife and life companion Marita Srebnick were members of the United Way Tocqueville Society. Together they were most proud to share in their family’s joy as they flourished and prospered achieving new milestones and witnessing the addition and success of new generations. L’dor V’dor.
George is survived by wife Mariita, children Oscar and Ellen Feldenkreis, Fanny Hanono, Howard and Sharon Srebnick, Scott and Jessica Srebnick and Eliza and Jon Weber. His beautiful grandchildren including Jennifer and Uzi Hardoon, Erica and Albert Lichy, Stephanie and Alexander Tauber, Joseph and Joelle Hanono, Gabriela and Jeff Gut, Natasha Hanono, Evan Hanono, Daniela Hanono, Jack Weber, Luke Weber, Ariela Weber, James Srebnick, Andrew Srebnick, Mack Srebnick, Roman Srebnick and Sofia Srebnick and his amazing 15 great grandchildren: Hailey, Elizabeth, Henry, Moshe, Meir, Malkah, Miriam, Leya, Eli, Chloe, Sabina, Valerie, Shlomo, Emunah and Sara.
We were truly blessed to have him in our lives and are humbled to pay tribute and homage to our patriarch and true icon. Siempre en nuestros corazones, Always in our hearts…we proudly memorialize his life and legacy. With the utmost respect and in true GF fashion and style, we celebrate his drive and passion via his mantra and favorite song
“I Did It My Way” as the true Chairman of the Board.
Temple Service will be held on February 21, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Temple Menorah located 620 75th Street
Miami Beach, FL 33141.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of George Feldenkreis to the following:
Temple Menorah https://www.templemenorahmiami.org ,Greater Miami Jewish Federation , https://jewishmiami.org ,Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) https://www.fidf.org .
Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 935-2700.
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