TRIBUTE: REMEMBERING STEVE RAMENOFSKY, GMM AT GARYS NEWPORT BEACH

Every so often in our tightly knit menswear community, a merchant comes along who not only helps build a stellar business for his team but who somehow inspires everyone he touches with his passion, vision, integrity and sense of humor. Steve Ramenofsky, General Merchandise Manager at Garys Newport Beach since 1986, was one of those special people.

According to those who knew him best, Steve called it as he saw it, which not everyone could handle, but he was less concerned with appearances and more about getting it right. He loved this business and took his leadership role quite seriously. That said, despite a sometimes stern demeanor, he was always up for a good time and his joie de vivre was contagious.

And as much as he loved the menswear business, Steve loved his family more. Big hugs to his cherished wife Catherine, son Max and daughter Erin, always his pride and joy. Steve also leaves a grandson, Ethan Mora and a son-in-law, Arturo Mora.

John Braeger, president of Garys in Newport Beach, treasured his right-hand merchant and friend. “Steve was an integral part of Garys and an icon in the industry. He was a brother, friend and mentor to me for more than 35 years. I had the good fortune to work and travel with him; he taught me so much during our time together. He treated Garys like it was his own store, understanding our mission and pointing us in the direction we all wanted to go.

“Steve always said he wanted to work for the rest of his life, and I’m grateful he was able to do that. Steve, we miss you already and will carry on the mission you helped us define. You were such an integral part of Garys for so many years. As you used to say: Love You Man!”

Nick Stein at Loro Piana also considered Steve his mentor. “Steve was so special, truly one of a kind, and I already miss him. I met him 15 years ago, and he made an impression on me as a 23-year-old kid just getting his start. Without hesitation, I can say that he’s a significant part of the reason I’m in this industry. He had a powerful impact on how I approach business and I will never forget that, nor him.”

From good friend Peter Schmid, senior account exec at Canali, “What to say about a man who could make you laugh with a side-eyed glare and a hand gesture saying, “forget about it…” Steve Ramenofsky (Ramo) is and will always be one of the great talents defining the menswear industry. Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing him and my father passionately discussing details that could spell the difference between ordinary and exceptional. Eventually, Steve and I forged our own bond navigating years of collaboration marked by spirited debates. Together, we pushed each other to strike the delicate balance between innovation and tradition that defined our shared success. Amidst it all, there was always laughter and good-natured banter. Each season, Ramo would raise a glass to my dad, and now we will raise one to them both.”

Ken Haruta describes Steve Ramenofsky as a passionate person who loved his job. “Steve touched my life and the lives of his friends and family with his passion. He had strong opinions on most things and expressed them openly during presentations. Sometimes, in the midst of a heated discussion, I’d try to cool him off by saying ‘Hey Steve, I think you’re getting paged in the store…’ He’d crack a smile and we’d move forward.

“I spoke to Steve in August because I was concerned about his health; during the conversation, he told me that he wants to work another 20 years! RIP, my friend. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.”

Another good friend, Michal Sestak, puts it this way: “Steve was a treasure. There is no bench. There are no subs. We can only retire his jersey, knowing how much he gave to the game. The gruff buying, so, so priceless. The love for new design, artistic inspiration. The trust one had to earn from him. We all learned something from him. Thank you, Steve.”

J. L. Shaia recalls, “Ken and I met Steve, Johnny, and his dad back in the late ’80s at one of The Collective trade shows when they were still held at a hotel. We have been very close to that ‘family’ ever since. Even though I have not been at market in several years, I still stayed in touch with Steve.”