Jay Fidler, a great son of Brooklyn, died today. A family mourns, as well as a large community of friends, neighbors, and colleagues, who were touched by his robust spirit—at work, at play, at Brooklyn’s Madison High School, in the Army, at Brown University, in business, at home in  Westchester and all the other places where he shared his warm personality and zest for life.

He was a leader in every sense of the word. Jay projected strength of character, good humor, kindness, smarts, and strong moral and ethical values in every thing he did.

A born athlete, he was a great storyteller, a respected boss, a loving father and grandfather, and a wonderful and devoted husband to my Aunt Rhoda, his wife of more than 60 years.

Born in Brooklyn, Jay was the son of Irving and Beatrice Fidler, of Lefferts Garden. He attended Madison High School, where he played football and distinguished himself in the arts.

Jay married his high school sweetheart, Rhoda Wander, and attended Brown University, where he was a football hero and later served on the Board of Trustees.

During the Second World War, Jay served in the US Army. Afterwards, he started working for Hercules Chemical Corporation at its office and
factory in lower Manhattan in New York City. The company, then a small
family-held corporation started by my grandfather, Samuel Wander, grew substantially under his leadership.

In the 1950’s Jay designed his family’s home, a Frank Lloyd Wright-style house, built with glass, brick and cement block.

Jay leaves behind three loving and devoted children and his wife Rhoda, who advocated for his health and well-being during a long illness with vigilance and dignity until the very end.

He also leaves behind five exceptional grandchildren, a wonderful brother, and many loving relatives and friends.

A light went out today because Jay is gone. But his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.