Joel Lionel Margolis, 91, died peacefully on Sunday, November 26, at Fairview Commons Nursing Center in Great Barrington, Mass.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 28, 1932 to Alex and Esme (Woolf) Margolis, Joel received his undergraduate degree from Baruch College. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, Joel pursued a career in advertising in Manhattan, working in the marketing departments at Young & Rubicam and Grey Advertising, among other prominent firms. He was among the first Jewish executives hired to work at these high-profile firms.
While working at Young & Rubicam, Joel met his dear wife, Arlene Gaye Swersky, who predeceased him in 1991. They married in 1964 and had two daughters, Denise Margolis (who passed in 2022) and Rachel Margolis of Pittsfield. In 1991, Joel recognized an entrepreneurial opportunity within the commercial student lending business and founded Student Marketmeasure. Working as his own boss, he ran the firm successfully for 19 years.
Joel loved to spend his summer vacations in both Cape Cod and the Berkshires. In 2003, he decided to make the Berkshires his home. Shortly after, he met his adored companion, Diane Spinrad, and they enjoyed many wonderful years together until separated by illness. They especially enjoyed spending time with their combined families and going on many travel adventures together.
In addition to his daughter Rachel, Joel is survived by his grandson, Eliot Stern, whose education at Avon Old Farms School he made possible. He is also survived by his dear brother-in-law, Gaylord Swersky, whose support he greatly appreciated.
Joel had many interests including stamp and coin collecting, as well as attending live performances of plays and music. He was a history buff and loved old movies, always surprising his family with his extensive knowledge of cinema. Later in life, he developed a passion for collecting Japanese woodblock prints. Joel was a proud member of the Rotary Club when living in Westchester and The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield. He was a generous donor to many charities, among them groups that supported the resettlement of Ethiopian Jews to the State of Israel, a cause dear to his heart.
A graveside service, officiated by Rabbi Barbara Cohen, will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. at the Ahavath Sholom section of Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandsteven.com
