Gerald S. Ostrow
June 6, 2016

Gerald S. Ostrow, of Boca Raton, Florida, and formerly of Shadyside and Stanton Heights, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2016.  He was the beloved widower of Lynn Ostrow, his wife of 65 years. Devoted Father of William Ostrow of Pittsburgh, Richard Ostrow (Elyse Dasko) of Encinitas, California, Douglas (Nancy) Ostrow of Pittsburgh and Carol Ostrow (Michael Graff) of New York City.  Beloved brother of Sari Portman of Philadelphia; loving grandfather of Michael and Elyse Ostrow, Charlotte and Hannah Ostrow, Molly Ostrow, Ben (Allison) Gelman and Sarah (Parker Eberhard) Gelman, and Anabel, Emily, Candace and Jesse Graff; and new great-grandfather of Maxwell Eberhard. Born in Philadelphia, Jerry spent this High School days at Overbrook High School, and then on to college at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Va.  Jerry excelled in swimming and was captain of the college team.  His studies pointed him toward Medical School, but World War Two interfered with those plans.  He joined the Army Air Corps and was a co-pilot and pilot of a B-24, based outside of London, England. He flew over 30 missions over Nazi Germany and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His plane was aptly named Lynn's Playboys. After returning from Army service, Jerry and his new father-in-law, Moe Struminger, started a linen supply business in Jeanette, Pa., and expanded it to Pittsburgh. He worked in Clean Linen Service and Clean Textile Systems his entire life - retiring at age 72.
During his life, he was always active in the Pittsburgh and the Jewish community.  He served on the Boards and was Chair of all the following agencies: the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family and Children Service, the Jewish Chronicle, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.  He was a Board Member of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Nationally, he was vice chair and life trustee of the Jewish Communities Centers Association, (formally the Jewish Welfare Board.)  He was President of his national trade association - the Textile Rental Services Association.

Services at Rodef Shalom Temple, 4905 Fifth Avenue, (at Morewood) on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 1 PM. Visitation one and one half hours prior to services at Temple, (11:30 AM - 1 PM). Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, 234 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA  15213. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

Condolences

So saddened to hear of Uncle Jerry's passing. We loved him; he was a remarkable human being.

We are saddened by Jerry's death. A distant relative of mine, he and Lynn helped make my years at Carnegie enjoyable ones, and helped me with business projects while there. I always looked forward to seeing him at the TRSA meetings together with Bill & Woody when I was in the Linen Supply Business. Our sincere condolences to all the family on his passing.