DONALD TRONSTEIN, A DEVELOPER OF RODEO DRIVE, DIES AT 60
Byline:
LOS ANGELES — Donald Tronstein, a prominent developer and a force in positioning Rodeo Drive as a premier retail venue, died Saturday night in Beverly Hills. He was 60.
Tronstein died of a heart attack, according to a statement from his family.
A property owner on the 400 block of the famous shopping street, Tronstein was referred to by many in the area as the “mayor of Rodeo Drive.” He also was fashion-savvy and was able to attract several of the world’s most famous designers to his properties.
At the time of his death, his tenants included Giorgio Armani, Polo/Ralph Lauren and Guess, all on Rodeo Drive. His latest deal was for a Wolford boutique, which is set to open this spring.
Tronstein was one of the founding members of the Rodeo Drive Committee, the organization that helped build the street into a world-class shopping destination. President of the committee from 1984 to 1987, he served on the group’s executive committee from 1978 until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Arletta; a son and daughter, Mark and Jennifer; two stepchildren, Kevin Gentile and Kim Gassner; a sister, Gloria; and a brother, Jerry Taylor.
A memorial service will be held today at 11 a.m. in the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church, 505 North Rodeo Dr.