We share with sorrow that Brother Jerome (Jerry) Chazen, Alpha Kappa (Wisconsin) 1947, entered the Chapter Eternal on Feb. 6 at the age of 94. We are incredibly proud to have called Jerry a brother of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. The achievements of his life, commitment to success and altruistic endeavors mark him as a man who stood above his brothers and fellow citizens.
Chazen served in the Navy in World War II and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he and fellow Chapter Brother Arthur Ortenberg, Alpha Kappa (Wisconsin) 1947, forged their lifelong friendship which later led to the founding of Liz Claiborne.
The Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity recognized Brother Chazen as a Man of Distinction in 2021. He embodied the teachings of our Ritual and the commitment to better the communities in which we live and the Brotherhood of Man.
Brother Chazen was a role model to undergraduate and alumni brothers of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.
Chazen was married to his wife, Simona, of 72 years, with whom he shared a mutual love of art and jazz. He is survived by his wife, three children Kathy, Louise, David, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
May his memory be a blessing.
Related: Liz Claiborne Co-Founder Helped Create a Fashion Star (Wall Street Journal, paywall)
