George Feldenkreis Obituary, Cause of Death: Former CEO of Perry Ellis International George Feldenkreis Passes Away
George Feldenkreis, the visionary founder of Perry Ellis International and a stalwart in Miami’s business and philanthropic communities, passed away on February 21, 2025. Born in Havana, Cuba, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Elisa and Herman Feldenkreis, George’s journey epitomized the pursuit of the American dream.
In 1961, amidst political upheaval, George and his wife, Dorita, fled Cuba to seek freedom and opportunity in the United States. With an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, he established several successful ventures. His initial enterprise, Carfel, now known as GFX, Inc., specialized in automotive parts manufacturing and is currently managed by his daughter, Fanny Hanono. Transitioning to the apparel industry, George founded Supreme International, which evolved into the global fashion powerhouse Perry Ellis International. This transformation was achieved alongside his son and business partner, Oscar Feldenkreis. George remained actively involved in the company’s operations, inspiring countless associates and partners worldwide.
Beyond his business acumen, George was renowned for his humility, compassion, and intelligence. His philanthropic endeavors spanned numerous causes, earning him a multitude of civic, community, and industry accolades. A proud member of the Jewish community, he dedicated over two decades as a trustee of the University of Miami and more than 40 years on the board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. His unwavering support for Israel and various humanitarian causes underscored his commitment to eradicating anti-Semitism and prejudice.
George’s contributions to the fashion industry were equally distinguished. He was honored with the American Apparel & Footwear Association’s Man of the Year award and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from MR Magazine, among other recognitions.
He is survived by his wife, Mariita; children Oscar and Ellen Feldenkreis, Fanny Hanono, Howard and Sharon Srebnick, Scott and Jessica Srebnick, and Eliza and Jon Weber; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy of resilience, generosity, and leadership continues to inspire all who knew him.
A temple service will be held on February 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Temple Menorah, located at 620 75th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33141. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to Temple Menorah, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, or the Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF).
