REMEMBERING GEORGE FELDENKREIS | AUGUST 14, 1935 – FEBRUARY 20, 2025

It is with much sadness that MR reports the passing of George Feldenkreis, founder of Perry Ellis International. George was known to be a brilliant and fair businessman, renowned for his philanthropy, wisdom and always generous spirit. As menswear exec Allan Ellinger said about him in MR’s 2024 Awards issue, “George Feldenkreis embodies the perfect blend of entrepreneur and philanthropist. While he is well known for his incredible business acumen, George’s journey is not just about building wealth but about sharing it generously with those in need. He is a shining example that true success lies not just in personal achievement but also in the positive impact one leaves on the world through acts of kindness and giving.”

Guided by the strength, determination, and support of his loving family, George became one of Miami’s most steadfast and respected business leaders. The son of Ukrainian immigrants Elisa & Herman Feldenkreis, he was born in Havana, Cuba, and studied at the University of Havana Law School. From a very young age, he displayed exceptional tenacity in leadership, advocacy, and activism. A courageous survivor, he fled to the United States in 1961, defying communist oppression to provide a new life with Dorita, his childhood sweetheart, wife, and mother of his children. His goal was to seek freedom and a shot at the American dream.

From his humble beginnings, George’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with curiosity, ambition, and grit, led him to establish various successful companies. His first venture was Carfel, today known as GFX, Inc., an automotive parts manufacturer now owned by George’s daughter, Fanny Hanono. He then entered the apparel industry, creating Supreme International, which evolved into Perry Ellis International, representing a 55+ year heritage of brands built and operated alongside his devoted son, business partner, and best friend, Oscar Feldenkreis.

George’s dedication, energy and work ethic were unparalleled; who else would keep going into the office at almost 90 years old? His dedication did not go unnoticed: countless global associates and business partners confirm that George has always been their inspiration, both in business and in life.
Through all his endeavors, George displayed a keen sense of humility, compassion, and intelligence coupled with passion and wit. His ardent support of so many philanthropic causes earned him a myriad of awards and accolades. His generosity was immeasurable, reflecting a sincere concern for the welfare of those less fortunate. He was an avid champion of the State of Israel and its people, spearheading numerous UJA and AJC campaigns with a goal to eradicate antisemitism.

To list all the worthy organizations to which George contributed and served on the Board would be beyond lengthy, but the list includes: the University of Miami, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, UM Health Systems, the Transplant Foundation of Florida, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and endless other important causes.

As editor-in-chief of MR magazine and a longtime admirer of George Feldenkreis, I had the pleasure of interviewing him several times, most recently in June 2024 when he was honored with MR’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Among my favorite quotes from that interview: “When you approach a task, the only way to do it is the right way. Don’t even think about shortcuts.” When his brother discouraged him from moving from Cuba to the States, saying Americans won’t buy from people with accents, George insisted it wouldn’t be a problem. “I’m not worried about my accent,” he told his brother. “If I can give them a good price, they’ll buy from me.” And some words of wisdom to his son Oscar: “Don’t buy too many warehouses so you’re not tempted to carry too much inventory.”

George is survived by his beloved wife Mariita, his children Oscar and Ellen Feldenkreis, Fanny Hanono, Howard and Sharon Srebnick, Scott and Jessica Srebnick, and Eliza and Jon Weber. His beautiful grandchildren include Jennifer and Uzi Hardoon, Erica and Albert Lichy, Stephanie and Alexander Tauber, Joseph and Joelle Hanono, Gabriela and Jeff Gut, Natasha Hanono, Evan Hanono, Daniela Hanono, Jack Weber, Luke Weber, Ariela Weber, James Srebnick, Andrew Srebnick, Mack Srebnick, Roman Srebnick and Sofia Srebnick and his 15 amazing great-grandchildren.

Says Oscar, speaking for family, friends, and colleagues, “We were so blessed to have George in our lives and are humbled to pay tribute and homage to our patriarch and icon. Siempre en nuestros corazones: Always in our hearts. With utmost respect and in true GF fashion, we celebrate his drive and passion via his mantra and favorite song: ‘I Did It My Way.’ For George will always be our indisputable Chairman of the Board.”