Hirsch, Nathan “Nat” 90, passed away peacefully at his home in NYC Christmas morning, 2019. A profound visionary and life-long learner & dreamer, he used his passion and generosity to inspire others professionally and personally.
Raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, he was working in his father’s millinery factory by age 9. He attended Needle Trades High School where he began his lifetime career in the NY fashion industry. After serving honorably in Germany during the Korean War, he began work as a tailor, then pattern maker and in 1951 he borrowed $1000 from his future employer to attend the Chambre Syndicale in Paris, along with classmates Yves St. Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Fernando Sanchez.
Self-educated, optimistic, and resilient, he built and lead Gallery, a leading and innovative outerwear company for women and children. As Gallery thrived, he pursued apparel production in South Korea in the early 1970s, helping to introduce the Korean apparel manufacturing industry to the US market. Until retiring in 2012, he was Chairman and CEO as well as a mentor and astute businessman.
Nat relished every minute of life. He had a deep appreciation for beauty and was a talented designer, world traveler, and enthusiastic amateur architect. One could find him sitting elegantly in Central Park, sketching new designs as he was inspired by the passersby. He loved to dance to Ella Fitzgerald with his granddaughter Carolyn. He loved to drive us anywhere we needed or wanted to go. He enjoyed participating in any part of our family’s professional and personal life. An avid reader of the Times, Nat would call his grandchildren Daniel, Carolyn, and Michael to come to his home to discuss articles. They will remember him sitting with all of New York behind him.
We will be forever enriched by knowing and dedicating ourselves to loving and understanding him. He will always be present in our thoughts and our family.
He is survived by his beloved and devoted son Ken (Jane Gittelson), grandchildren Daniel, Carolyn, and Michael, his son Steven and his grandchildren Devin and Amelia.
Funeral services private. We gratefully acknowledge Emelda Pierre, Cavalry Hospice, Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Donations in Nathan's memory may be made to Weill Cornell Medical Center & Cavalry Hospice Care.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18