Jerome Joseph Sincoff

Jerome J. Sincoff, FAIA, passed away on December 18, 2024. A lifelong resident of St. Louis, he was the son of the late Elma and the late Maurice Sincoff; beloved husband of Suzanne Sincoff; dear father of Julie Jampel (the late Jeffrey), Robert Sincoff (Diane), and Steven Sincoff (Whitney); dear stepfather of Biron Valier (Julie Hallett) and Jennifer Drury (Brian); loving grandfather of Henry Valier, Ethan Jampel, Johnny Valier, Emily Sincoff, Alex Sincoff, Miles Drury, and Lucas Drury; step-grandfather of Jacob Jampel and Sophie Jampel; brother of Theodore Sincoff (the late Christine); and former spouse of Judith Sincoff.

After graduating from University City High School, Jerry earned his BArch from Washington University. He fulfilled a tour of duty in the Army Air Defense Command and subsequently joined the architectural firm of Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK). He thrived as an architect and loved the work. Jerry was principal-in-charge for many buildings and projects locally, nationally, and internationally and was especially proud of his work on the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Later in his career he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of HOK and under his leadership HOK grew from 900 people in 14 offices to 1,600 people in 20 offices.

Architectural education and excellence were important to Jerry. Jerry was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and co-founded the American Institute of Architects’ Large-Firm Roundtable. He and Suzanne established and funded an endowed scholarship for architecture students at Washington University. Over the years, he served on Washington University’s Alumni Board of Governors, the School of Architecture National Council and the University’s Board of Trustees. After retiring from HOK and at the request of Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, Jerry served two years as Dean of Washington University’s College of Architecture and Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design. He also contributed his time, talent and support to other cultural institutions in St. Louis, including serving on the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Board of Trustees and as president of the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Board of Commissioners. He was a long-time member and supporter of United Hebrew Congregation in Chesterfield.

Jerry enjoyed art, travel, classical music and opera, frequenting favorite neighborhood restaurants with Suzanne, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends of many years. In his later years, he enjoyed painting in his studio and reading classic novels and books about history, especially WWII. A talented, unassuming and loving man, Jerry left an indelible mark on St. Louis and on his family, friends and colleagues.

A private graveside service was held on Monday, December 23 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton, St. Louis, MO 63130. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 or to Washington University and directed to Graduate Architecture Scholarships. Checks should be made payable to Washington University and sent to: MSC 1082-414-2555, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-9989.