Gerald Portnoy

Gerald M. Portnoy, 89, of Monroe Township died Sept. 14, 2017. He was born in New York City.

Mr. Portnoy retired in 1990 as a co-owner of Aaron & Company, Inc., a Piscataway-based wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, and cooling products, where he worked for more than 35 years. He joined the company as a credit manager, having provided accounting services to the firm in the early 1950s.

After becoming a co-owner of Aaron & Co. in 1976, he and his partners, Jeffrey Aaron and Frank Laudino, expanded the business by opening two branches and relocating the company’s main office to a large warehouse and showroom in New Brunswick’s industrial zone.

He was a graduate of Bryant College (now Bryant University) in Providence, R.I.

Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

He was an active participant in several community service organizations and donated to a host of charities, including the Lions Club, B’nai B’rith, Jewish Family Services, and Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. He also served on the board of the Concordia Golf Association.

Predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Marilyn (Simon), and his second wife of nine years, Mildred (Levenson), he

is survived by his son, Barry (Mona); his daughter, Francine (Alan) Mandel; five grandchildren; a great-grandson; and his companion of 20 years, Phyllis Cohen.

Services were held Sept. 18 with arrangements by Crabiel Home for Funerals, Milltown. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County, Milltown; or Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407.