Mayer Udell of Glen Cove passed away recently. He was 96.
Udell arrived in America from Poland in 1939. He worked in his family’s sweater factory business. Udell mastered that business and opened two of his own factories in Bay Shore and the Bronx, which were great successes.
He met Fran London and married her in 1946. He then sold sweater factories and took over the London Family jewelry business with Fran. Together they had two sons: Dr. Ira Udell in 1947 and Mark Udell in 1951.
Inspired by Charles London, Mayer with Fran expanded the business from a small clock and watch repair shop to a watch business that included fine jewelry. Prominence and reputation allowed them to carry world-renowned brands in their store, eventually expanding the business to multiple stores.
Tremendous family values and traditions were instilled at an early age not only at home, but in the family business. Mayer’s vision for his family was to not only excel in life and business, but also to enjoy it to its fullest.
“Doing the right thing” and giving back to the community was at the forefront of his values.
Udell was a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel, Glen Cove, where he was ritual chairman, house chairman, president of the Men’s Club, president of the Temple and a member of the Board of Trustees. His philanthropic endeavors included Israel Bonds, UJA and Temple Tifereth.
Udell is survived by Fran Udell; Ira Udell and daughter-in-law Allyn Udell and Mark Udell and daughter-in-law Candy Udell; grandchildren Erin and Leigh Minsky, Randi and Scott Alper, Jared and Riki Udell, Scott and Jessica Udell and Zachary Udell; plus great-grandchildren Alexander, Avery and Austin Minsky, Sienna Alper and Blake Udell.
