Obituary: Paul Ostrove

NEW YORK — Paul Ostrove, co-owner of Paul Stuart, the luxury men’s and women’s specialty store, died of lymphoma Sunday. He was 73.

Paul Stuart was founded in 1938 by Ralph Ostrove, Paul Ostrove’s father, and his cousin, Norman. Ralph Ostrove named the store after his son, Paul Stuart Ostrove.

Paul Ostrove started working at the store as a high school student, and officially entered the business in 1955 after graduating from Colby College and serving in the Army for two years. Despite his illness, Ostrove stayed active in the business — merchandising and managing the tailored clothing operations — until his death, a company spokesman said.

Ostrove was also an ambassador for the store, greeting customers on a first-name basis and always remembering their suit size. He was remembered fondly by shoppers and employees alike as “the sweet guy at the top of the stairs,” according to the company.

Ostrove’s partner, Clifford Grodd, 80, chief executive officer of Paul Stuart, remains active in the business. He could not be reached for comment. Ostrove’s son, Michael, is general merchandise manager.

An avid golfer, squash player and skier, Ostrove was an overseer for Colby College from 1994 to 2003, an active member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and a member of the North Shore Country Club in Glen Cove, N.Y.

In addition to his son, Michael, Ostrove is survived by his wife, Estelle — they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary in three weeks — another son, David; a daughter, Gail Kantor; eight grandchildren; a sister, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home at 81st and Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 111 Broadway, 19th floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.

— Jean E. Palmieri