Industry Veteran Jerry Subar Passes Away

Jerry Subar, 82, chairman of Model Coverall Service, Grand Rapids, MI, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

For many years, Subar was an active and enthusiastic supporter of both TRSA and UTSA, having served on committees and the boards of both associations. Most recently, Subar was active on TRSA’s Centennial Committee, which is overseeing planning to commemorate the 100th anniversary of TRSA this October.

In an e-mail to members and TRSA, Jim Buik, president of the Roscoe Co., Chicago, praised Subar for his lifetime of service to the industry and all who knew him. “Jerry was an honorable man who cared deeply for his family, his community, his business and our industry,” Buik wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry and his family.”

A service to celebrate Subar’s life took place Jan. 10 at the Congregation Ahavas Israel, 2727 Michigan Ave. NE, Grand Rapids.

Subar's son Jonathan, the president of Model Coverall, said his father enjoyed his long career in business and his many association and industry friends and activities. "My dad loved the TRSA and this industry," Jonathan said. "He worked in it for about 70 of his 82 years. He loved teaching new employees about the industry, especially about dust control. He forbade us to call a shop towel a "rag" – a rag is a low-value item, that gets treated like a 'rag.' A shop towel is a towel – a tool designed specifically to do a specific job. It is an item of value that should be treated by us and customers as such—not like a 'rag'.

"Dad loved the people in the industry, both the old-timers and the younger people. He loved the comittees and the magazine. He loved the cost groups and industry programs – the social and business aspects. He will miss the industry greatly!" 

The Subar and Singer families of Grand Rapids built two businesses together, Model Coverall and Grand Rapids Coat and Apron (Grantex Inc.) from the 1920s through 1960. "Unfortunately our families split after 1960 and we went our separate ways as direct competitors," said Doug Singer. Grantex is now part of G&K Services.

"The loss to our community is significant, considering the time and resources that Jerry poured into his community involvement," he continued. "Jerry operated his company and personal life with a high moral compass. He had a passion for his business and it showed in the marketplace through his employee teams and the branding and image of Model Coverall."

Subar was a member of the Kent Optimist Club, the Variety Club, the American Legion, the ACLU and the Congregation Ahavas Israel.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Judith; children, including Dean and Susan Subar; Jonathan (president of Model Coverall) and Mirit Subar; and Richard and Leah Subar; plus 21 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and special nephews, including Michael, Josh, Andrew and Case Krell; a special niece, Danielle Werchowsky; and a special grandson, Ben Werchowsky; and many friends and business associates.