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Gerson, Preston, Klein, Lips, Eisenberg & Gelber, P.A. (Gerson Preston), a South Florida based premier accounting and advisory firm renowned for its intelligent, proactive, and responsive financial guidance, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gary R. Gerson, MBA, Founder Emeritus, who passed away peacefully at his home in Miami Beach, Florida, on October 22, 2025, at the age of 92.
“Gary built this firm on a foundation of excellence, integrity and humanity,” said Steven F. Klein, CPA, managing partner at Gerson Preston. “He was more than our founder — he was our mentor, our guiding compass and our greatest example of leadership. His values will forever remain at the heart of this firm and the work we do every day.”
A pioneering entrepreneur decorated naval officer and devoted philanthropist, Gerson’s life was defined by leadership, generosity and an unwavering commitment to his clients, community and family. His influence helped shape South Florida’s business, civic and educational landscape.
Born in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1933, Gerson moved to Miami Beach with his family at age 10. After graduating from Miami Beach Senior High School, he attended the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting with high honors in 1954 and a master’s degree in business administration the following year. At just 21, he became the youngest Certified Public Accountant in the United States, an early sign of his remarkable intellect and drive.
Following service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he was appointed officer in charge of the Navy Area Audit Office in Orlando, Gerson returned to South Florida and founded his accounting practice in 1959. What began as a one-person operation grew into Gerson Preston, one of Florida’s most respected and enduring independent accounting firms. For more than six decades, his expertise positioned the firm as trusted advisor to generations of business leaders and families in the areas of tax planning and international taxation, trust and estate matters, litigation support and audit.
Gerson’s impact extended well beyond the profession. A passionate advocate for higher education, he tutored University of Florida athletes in the 1950s to ensure their academic success, earning induction into the UF Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 — the only non-athlete to receive the honor. In 2003, the university dedicated Gary R. Gerson Hall, the nation’s only free-standing accounting building, in his name.
He also established numerous scholarships at UF, Florida International University and the University of Miami, and created the Gary R. Gerson Lecture Series, ensuring future generations of students would benefit from the same opportunities that fueled his own success.
A lifelong philanthropist, Gerson served as President and Chairman of Mount Sinai Medical Center, Chairman of the Israel Bonds Organization of South Florida, and as a board member or trustee for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Douglas Gardens Jewish Home for the Aged, Temple Beth Sholom and the Concert Association of Florida. His civic achievements were recognized with honors including Miami Beach Citizen of the Year (1996), the Miami Herald Jewish Star Times “Man of the Year” Award (2001) and the Florida Institute of CPAs Outstanding CPA in Public Service Award (2001).
Known for his humility and warmth, Gary Gerson’s life was a testament to hard work, generosity and faith in community. To his family, he was not only a patriarch but a mentor, storyteller and unwavering source of love and wisdom.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Niety Gerson, their four children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“As we move forward, we remain committed to the principles Gary lived by — integrity, client-first service and community leadership,” Klein said. “Every client relationship, every act of mentorship, every decision we make carries the mark of his vision. We will continue to grow and serve our clients with the same dedication, compassion and excellence that Gary embodied.”
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About Gerson, Preston, Klein, Lips, Eisenberg & Gelber, P.A.
Gerson, Preston, Klein, Lips, Eisenberg & Gelber, P.A. (Gerson Preston) is South Florida’s premier, full-service accounting firm specializing in Assurance & Accounting Services; Tax Services; Private Client Services; Litigation Support & Business Valuation Services; Advisory Services; and Transaction Services. Founded in 1959 by Gary R. Gerson, the firm has deep roots in Miami and has evolved from its boutique beginnings into a key player on the global stage. Gerson Preston is ranked amongst the Top 200 accounting firms in the U.S. with a team of highly skilled accounting professionals experienced in a strong breadth of disciplines, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, Gerson Preston is the only accounting firm in Florida that is a member of the International Association of Public Accountants (IAPA) and is also a proud member of The International Accounting Group (TIAG). The firm has offices in Miami and Boca Raton, Florida.
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