Anthony Geml, longtime California jeweler and father of Kathryn Kimmel, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Gemological Institute of America, passed away in late 2001 in Sylmar, Calif. He was 86. Geml had owned and operated jewelry stores throughout the San Fernando Valley from 1947, when he opened his first store in Studio City, Calif., until 1980. Geml was a member of the California Jewelers Association and sat on the organization’s Board for 12 years.
Sorrell (Sandy) Sanders, founder of Sanders Jewelers in Pasadena, Md., passed away late last year. He was the recipient of the Mid-Atlantic Travelers Association Jeweler of the Year award in 1992. Sanders is survived by his wife, Pearl; sons Ronald and Larry; daughter Hope Patton; and seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Maryland, 5850 York Rd., Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093.
Al Rousso, owner for more than 50 years of Brownlee Jewelers in downtown Charlotte, N.C., died in late 2001 at age 76. He was a member of Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and was the founder and past president of Southeastern Wholesale Jewelers. Rousso was listed in the Who’s Who of the jewelry industry, and in 1995 was presented with the Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award by the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States. In addition to his jewelry business, he served as a member of City Council in Charlotte during the 1980s and 1990s, earning a reputation as an elected official who never forgot “everyday folks.”
Jeweler and watchmaker Raymond D. Dennis of Rockford, Ill., died at age 76. He was the former owner of Bolender’s Jewelers as well as Dennis Jewelers of DuQuoin, Ill. and Flagstaff, Ariz.
Dennis was a graduate of the Southwestern Institute of Technology and the Gemological Institute of America and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Rockford Rotary Club; Masonic Lodge #234 in DuQuoin, Tebala Shrine Temple; Past Exalted Ruler and Life Member of Elks Lodge #499 in Flagstaff; the Illinois Retail Jewelers; Jewelers of America; and the American Gem Society.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie Ann; sons Jimmy, Richard, and Robert; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Don Lipsitz passed away on Dec. 28, 2001. A jewelry salesman for over 45 years, Don will always be remembered for his kindness. Don also will be remembered for the funny jokes he told to everyone.
Morton Karlan passed away on Dec. 24, 2001, succumbing to pancreatic cancer. He was 70. For over 40 years he traveled the southern United States representing jewelry manufacturers. At one point he simultaneously represented 12 companies, and over the years he accrued over 1,600 customers. He was a member of the New York Jewelers Benevolent Association, a member of SJTA, and a past president of the Southeastern 24K club.
He is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Marilyn; his mother, Bessie Karlan; his daughter, Heidi Weiss; his son, Lewis Karlan, who is active in the jewelry industry; and six grandchildren. His son Steven Daryl Karlan, who traveled the TOLA territory, predeceased him.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Karlan Memorial Fund at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30327.
Charles Cohen, 85, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Dec. 21, 2001. The owner of Charles Cohen Jewelers, he was known for dispensing advice along with the wedding rings he provided for three generations of Fort Worth families.
Born in New York City, he moved to Dallas with his family and became a jeweler’s apprentice. During World War II, Cohen was stationed in Hawaii where he worked on aircraft instruments, a job for which his jewelry repair skills had prepared him well. Following the war, he came to Fort Worth, and in 1947 opened a jewelry store on Houston St. In the mid-1960s, he relocated the business to the Seminary South Shopping Center, and later moved to the present location on S. Hulen St.
Cohen is survived by his son, Stanley; daughter Carol Ann Cohen Glass; brother Albert; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His wife, Burnis Cohen, died in 1997. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Ahavath Sholom or any charity of choice.