Cyril Madesker, owner of Deval Corp., died Nov. 19 in New York City at the age of 87.

According to his son-in-law, New York dealer Todd Wolleman, Madesker spent six decades in the diamond business. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, during World War II, he escaped to England, where he served in the Royal Air Force. He then followed his father into the rough diamond business in London, eventually moving to the United States in 1948.

Madesker was active in industry associations, serving as a director of the New York bourse, the Diamond Trade Association. He was also a member of the American Gem Society. He retired in 2002.

JCK