One of the four sons of Mr Benoni Morris Nestadt, Gerald Nestadt, died on March 1.
The 96-year-old died in Benoni in the presence of his two sons, Larry and Johnny.
Gerald was one of four sons to Morris (Mr Benoni), who earned his title after being the mayor of Benoni for five terms, and Celia Nestadt.
Gerald’s pride for Benoni inspired his insistence to remain there from birth to death.
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“He was a humble, brilliant man, who had many accomplishments in his life,” said his granddaughter, Ashleigh Nestadt.
She said her grandfather matriculated from King Edwards School and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Arts.
Thereafter he served as a technical instructor in the South African Air Force during World War Two, worked at George Rennie & Co, co-founded Raylite Batteries and Apex Steel Sections, served as a director of Investec and IGI Insurance, and was an honorary life president of the Benoni Country Club.
Ashleigh said he was active in the Shul, Rotary, Hebrew Order of David and Free Masons.
Until his death, he continued to go to George Rennie and maintained that going into work “kept him alive”.
“More than an honest, hard-working businessman and social activist, he was a loving husband to Selma Tolkin for 51 years with whom he had three children; Larry, Barbara, and Johnny,” said Ashleigh.
“Over the years their family tree grew and Gerald became a wonderful grandfather to 11 grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine, through which his legacy will continue to live.
“Gerald was a man whose presence commanded respect.
“He was genuine, caring, charitable, and meticulous – a true gentleman of his era.
“His memory will forever bring with it the highest praise and he will be missed dearly.”
The funeral was held on March 2 at the Benoni Cemetery.
Gerald’s brother Stanley died on January 17 in San Diego, in the United States.
The other brother, Allan died on August 11, 2017.
The fourth brother, Harry, lives as a retired judge in Australia.
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