Obituaries

Martin Flyer, founder of the jewelry manufacturer Designs by Martin Flyer, died March 18 at his home in Floral Park, N.Y. He was 94.

Flyer, who came to the United States from Russia in 1921, learned the jewelry trade from his older brothers, Jacob and Herman Flyer. He opened his own company, Martin Flyer’s Viroy Company, specializing in the manufacture of fine diamond jewelry, in 1945. He was not only the owner but also the head jeweler. Flyer worked as a designer of diamond jewelry well into his eighties. At age 87, he retired to help care for his ailing wife, Clara, who had recently survived a bout with leukemia.

Flyer supported a number of charitable causes, including the United Jewish Appeal and ORT. In 1985, he and Clara donated an ambulance for use in Israel.

Flyer is survived by his wife; a son, Gary; a daughter, Vivienne Sirlin; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Don C. Wendel Jr., former owner and operator of Wendel’s Jewelers, Lancaster, Ohio, died Feb. 15. Wendel, who contributed to many community projects and charitable organizations, received the Floyd Wolfe Community Service Award from the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce in 1996.

Wendel was a major supporter of the Robert K. Fox Family Y, and a major donor to its capital campaign. He was also a major donor to the Partner with Youth annual support campaign and contributed toward the construction of a new swimming pool. The Y will honor Wendel by naming the new swimming facilities the Don C. Wendel Natatorium.

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