In The News

Obituary: Norman Karr

By: Karen Alberg-Grossman

September 17, 2009

It is with much sadness that MR Magazine reports the passing of Norman Karr, long-time champion of the menswear industry and mentor and friend to so many of us. Norman died last night from pneumonia with family by his side.

Norman, who turned 82 on July 30th, was a highly respected journalist and promoter who graduated from CCNY and started his career covering the burlap and jute markets at the Journal of Commerce. His next job was as editor of Driver’s Digest (“very appropriate for a guy named Karr” quips his son Arnie who points out, on a more serious note, that Norman wrote the first investigative piece on truck drivers using speed to stay awake at night.)

In 1955, Norman went to work for the American Institute of Men’s and Boys’ Wear, which ultimately transitioned to the Men’s Fashion Association (MFA) and then to The Fashion Association (TFA). He worked there full-time for 39 years and took tremendous pride in bringing the men’s fashion industry (always a stepchild to women’s fashion) to new levels of recognition and respect. An incredible public speaker with a quick wit and innate intelligence, Norman hosted many years of YMA dinners (he himself was the recipient of an AMY award, along with numerous other honors), and served on the board of several industry organizations, including The High School of Fashion Industries.

Says Arnie, “I always marveled at his passion for life! He had such an open creative mind, which impacted everything he touched. In addition to his work and his family, he was a terrific graphic artist (he almost took a job with Disney) but his great passion was golf. When we once worried about him being a workaholic, we bought him an easel and golf clubs. He never touched the easel but he loved the golf, usually breaking 90 and still hitting 250-yard drives when he was in his 70s. He was a terrific athlete who once even tried out for the Yankees…”

Arnie also talks to Norman’s charitable nature. “He was extremely generous with both his time and money. During the Vietnam era, he founded clothing banks for returning veterans and recovering addicts. Plus no one got more resumes into more hands: he loved nurturing new talent and helping young people get into our industry.”

On another note, Arnie remembers some great advice his father gave him on his wedding day. “He told me ‘Don’t fight to win; discuss to resolve.’ Norman was filled with these wonderful aphorisms and he lived his life according to his principles. How fitting that he died with a Democrat as president and the Yankees in first place…”

Norman is survived by Selma, his beloved wife of 58 years, his son Arnold (senior financial editor of WWD and talented musician), his daughter Joanne, daughter-in-law Rhea, son-in-law Charles and four cherished grandchildren: Naomi, Helaina, Pamela and Daniel. Funeral services are tomorrow, September 18th at 10 a.m. at I.J. Morris Funeral Home in Hempstead NY with burial to follow at Beth David cemetery in Elmont.

In memory of Norman, contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Alzheimers Foundation, or the United Jewish Appeal.

Norman, we miss you already!

 

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