A vibrant figure in the men’s clothing industry and an equally passionate baseball aficionado, Joey passed away last week at the age of 66. Known for his humor, warmth, and magnetic personality, Joey built lasting friendships with manufacturers, retailers, and professional athletes alike.
Joey’s enduring legacy in menswear and his unwavering loyalty as a friend are reflected in the heartfelt tributes from those who knew him best.
Stewart Golden, a lifelong friend who knew Joey since his teenage years, remembers him as more than just a retailer. “He was an icon in the menswear business and a wonderful human being,” Stewart said. “A huge Yankee fan, he loved taking friends to games and hosting players like Eddie Murray, Carlos Beltrán, and Cecil Fielder at his Portabella store near Grand Central Station. He had a big heart and a bigger personality.”
Gary Dante, another close friend, fondly recalled spending over three decades dining with Joey during his visits to New York. “He had a tough exterior that could be intimidating, but those who really knew him saw his kindness and generosity. If Joey liked you, he’d do anything for you,” Gary shared. “We had a core group of 6 to 10 people who regularly dined together. Sometimes Joey’s antics would get us kicked out of restaurants, but it was all harmless fun. He was the kindest, most loyal friend.”
Fred Pasternak of Raphael reflected on a 35-year bond that began at Joey’s father’s shiva. “He was like a brother to me. He was loyal to the people he loved but had no patience for insincerity. Joey was a hard-working man, arriving at his store by 7:30 every morning. He always told vendors to skip appointments and just drop by between 8 and 10 a.m. We shared unforgettable experiences—trips to the Bahamas with my kids, Yankees games with VIP seats. I’ll miss his morning phone calls the most. I wish we had more time together.”
Glen Schanen, formerly with Macy’s and now at Roffe, recalled the famous Thursday night dinners at Canastel’s on Park Avenue South, often attended by baseball legends like Vince Coleman and Eddie Murray. “Joey was always more interested in building friendships than doing business. He was in awe of the volume Macy’s handled, but our connection was personal, not professional.”
Ron Wurtzburger of Peerless remembered Joey for both his retail acumen and sense of humor. “He was an excellent retailer and well respected for his aggressive merchandising strategies. But above all, he created meaningful relationships with many baseball greats, who admired his taste and cherished his friendship. He brought so much joy to everyone around him. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Baseball star Cecil Fielder, one of Joey’s dearest friends, honored him with an emotional social media tribute:
“One of my best friends passed this morning. We’ve been best friends for 40 years and my family and I will miss him every day. Your boy don’t cry much, but this one hit hard. Everybody loved Super Joe and I loved him: he was my bestie. New York will never be the same. Rest in peace my friend… you will always be part of me.”
Richie Wurtzburger, another close companion, summed up Joey’s impact with heartfelt words:
“He made everyone feel good. Outside of my family, nobody has had a bigger impact on my life. He was like my big brother. If I called him at 2 a.m. and told him to bring a shovel, he’d be there without asking why. We spoke every morning on the way to work and five or six more times throughout the day. Most days, I spoke to Joey before I even spoke to my wife.”
Richie also reminisced about Joey’s connections in the sports world. “He brought over 200 Major League Baseball players to our showroom, including Mariano Rivera as a rookie. He even helped us find celebrity honorees for charity events like the Father of the Year luncheon and Lord & Taylor’s Men’s Night Out. Joey was always the first to give.”
Joey’s role in Richie’s life extended far beyond business. “He was a groomsman in my wedding. I’ll never forget him dancing with my wife’s 80-year-old aunt as the crowd cheered. He attended both the Bris and Bar Mitzvah of my boys and always sat at our table. We traveled together to Minneapolis for Kirby Puckett’s charity events, to Vegas, to Spring Training in Florida, March Madness, Final Fours, and countless sporting and charity events. I can’t share all the details—we’d get in trouble!—but we had endless laughs. I still laugh just thinking about those stories.”
In the end, Joey Oks was more than just a menswear merchant. He was a loyal friend, a passionate sports fan, a master of relationships, and a genuine force of joy. His influence reached from Grand Central to Yankee Stadium, from retail showrooms to charity galas, and into the lives of hundreds who will never forget his laughter, generosity, and unwavering loyalty.
Rest in peace, Super Joe. The industry, and the world, shine a little less brightly without you.
Related Topics
- “Reign Your Narrative”: A Bold Debut Collection That Celebrates Women’s Inner Power
- How Black Female Dandies Turn Tailoring Into Resistance and Self-Expression
- Chic Comfort: The Rise of Stylish Women’s Nightwear and Loungewear
