Gerald Morganstern, CRE attorney, dies at 76

The attorney, with a career spanning over 50 years, was a partner at Goetz Fitzpatrick, where he handled commercial and retail leasing transactions

Gerald Morganstern
Gerald Morganstern

Gerald Morganstern, a commercial real estate attorney who started his career in New York almost decades ago, has died at the age of 76.

The veteran attorney, who was well-known in the New York commercial real estate world, and also in civic roles in his home of Hewlett Harbor, NY., passed away last week. It was first reported by The New York Law Journal.

His colleagues at Goetz Fitzpatrick said Morganstern’s expertise included representing clients on purchases, sales and refinancings, as well as leasing for office, showrooms, industrial spaces and shopping centers.

“Jerry had a great influence on our real estate practice and was widely respected in our firm and the industry,” Aaron Boyajian, managing partner of Goetz, told the outlet.

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Morganstern joined Hofheimer Gartlir & Gross in 1967 to conduct real estate transactional law, and after three decades, was promoted to managing partner in 2000. After the firm dissolved in 2014 – after 47 years there – he joined Goetz Fitzpatrick.

He also held positions in multiple organizations, including as president of B’nai B’rith Real Estate of New York. He also provided arbitration services for the Real Estate Board of New York when brokers had disputes.

“Jerry was a great leader, a hard worker and a wonderful man,” wrote B’nai B’rith Real Estate of New York in an obituary published last week.

A Bronx-born native, Morganstern moved to Hewlett Harbor, on Long Island, where he was elected mayor, and served from 1990 to 2000. He is reportedly survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Jeffrey and Bradley; four grandchildren; and his brother, Andrew. [NYLJ] — David Jeans