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In Memoriam: Industry Veterans Herb Lewis And Frank Fialkoff; Retailer Charles Sheppard June 17, 2015 (0 comments)
Charles S. Sheppard, Jr., Arkansas Retail Jeweler
Russellville, AK—Charles S. Sheppard, Jr. (left), 89, died at home June 8. The son of the late Charles and Ruby (Coleman) Sheppard, he was born October 30, 1925 in Russellville, enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII, and married Arlene Jo Smith on August 20, 1950.
After the war, he purchased Sheppard’s Jewelers from his father and continued the family business for another 40 years. He was the first certified gemologist in the state of Arkansas, and is a past president of the Arkansas Jewelers Association. He also is a past president of the Lions Club, and was Scoutmaster of troop #225 of the Boy Scouts of America.
In addition to his wife Arlene, survivors include the couple’s two sons, Charles Richard and Gary Michael; daughter-in-law Kimberly; two grandchildren, Sydney Wren Sheppard and Charles "Jack" Jackson Sheppard, both of Austin, TX; and numerous extended family.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 306 S. Commerce Ave, Russellville, AR 72801.
Herb Lewis, Centenarian Industry Legend
Los Angeles, CA—Herb Lewis, longtime industry veteran and past president of the 24 Karat Club Of Southern California, died June 9, just days after celebrating his 100th birthday.
Herb Lewis (photo: JCK)
Lewis literally spent almost his whole life in the industry—he was born June 1, 1915 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of a retail jeweler, and remained active in the industry many years beyond the time most of his peers had retired. He worked for Bulova for more than 34 years, retiring as a vice-president, but then continued working, first as director of marketing and national sales manager for Allison-Kaufman, where he helped the company set several sales records, and then as a sales representative for SA Kitsinian—still traveling to major trade shows and visiting key accounts nationally until age 93.
In addition to his tenure as past president of the Jewelers’ 24 Karat Club of Southern California, Lewis was president of the Atlanta Jewelry Show in 1945.
Lewis loved his work and the people he worked with. He was a true champion of the adage, "do what you love and love what you do," and garnered numerous awards for professional and philanthropic service. His character, integrity, and love for people were apparent at a young age: he received his first service award at age 13 from the American Legion.
Lewis was an avid baseball fan. He faithfully attended Dodger camp from 1989 to 2008, receiving the team’s "Player of the Century" award in 2005. He was an active member of the baseball team until he was 93 years old.
Lewis is survived by Anne, his wife of 74 years; son Mark, grandson Brian, great grandsons Trevor and Trexton, and great-granddaughter Tahari.
Frank Fialkoff, Fashion Jewelry Leader
New York—Frank Fialkoff, CEO of jewelry design and distributing company Haskell Jewels LLC, died June 8 at age 70. Fialkoff was a leader in the fashion jewelry sector, especially in the area of designer licensing. At age 16, he began his career working in the mailroom of fashion jewelry brand Monet, and later went on to both lead and own multiple companies in the fashion jewelry sector. Among the many jewelry brands he helped to launch licenses for were Pierre Cardin, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, and founding a women’s division of Swank, known for its men’s accessories.
Fialkoff acquired the Miriam Haskell brand in 1990 and founded Haskell Jewels with his wife, Linda. The company supplies trend and private label jewelry globally, including department store jewelry lines for Diane von Furstenberg, Betsy Johnson, Kenneth Cole, Robert Lee Morris, and Miriam Haskell. He received the Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball Achievement Award in 2009, and the Accessories Council’s Business Visionary Award in 2011.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter Gabrielle; son and daughter-in-law Brett and Heather; and four grandchildren. Read a tribute in National Jeweler here. (Frank Fialkoff photo below: National Jeweler).
