Melvin Lerer

Melvin Lerer, 83, of Somerset, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2014, at Regency Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Somerset. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he spent his childhood in Plainfield and North Plainfield. He was the son of Daniel and Charlotte Lerer. He was a graduate of North Plainfield High School, class of 1949. He was president of his class and was a member of his class reunion committee. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and was the Outstanding Member of his platoon. He attended the Newark School of Industrial Art and the Van Emberg School of Art. Prior to his retirement in 2006, Mr. Lerer was owner and President of M & J Concepts, an advertising and production company, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Group, Vice President of Thomas & Ryan, an automotive advertising agency, Advertising Director of RC Advertising Agency, Advertising Manager of MGM Advertising Agency of Verona, and Director of Advertising and Sales for Mayfair/Big W Supermarkets of Elizabeth. Mr. Lerer served as Chairman of Central Jersey July 4th Celebration Committee for several years, was a past president of Congregation Knesseth Israel of Bound Brook, served as a vice president of the Plainfield Jaycees, Public Relations Chairman of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce, handled press credentials for Nelson Rockefeller and Betty Ford, and served as a member of the Middlesex Borough Development Commission. He was a charter member of the Plainfield Area B’nai Brith. Mr. Lerer resided in Renaissance at Raritan Valley, an adult community in Somerset, with Judith, his wife of more than fifty-five years. They were married on May 30, 1958, and resided in Plainfield, Middlesex, North Brunswick, and Somerset. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, David (and his wife Tracey) Lerer, and Steven Lerer, of Maryland, four grandchildren, James, Kevin, Danielle, and Megan, his sister, Bernice Kahn of Richmond, Virginia, and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Sunday, May 25, at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook. Donations made to the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.