Flanzer leaves legacy of helping

Philanthropist Gloria Flanzer died Monday, at the age of 87, at her home on Longboat Key.   

Born May, 23, 1927, in Manhattan, N.Y., Flanzer was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Flanzer, who died in 2013 at the age of 93. Both were long-time residents of Longboat Key; they called the island home for 35 years.

Their love of the area began when Louis Flanzer came down on business and took a ride on Longboat Key.  He fell in love with the island and told his wife they needed to do something down here, and they began the construction of Players Club condominiums. The Flanzers also lived part-time in Scarsdale, N.Y. 

Both Gloria and Louis Flanzer were dedicated philanthropists to the Sarasota community; they gave time and donations to causes including Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the Jewish Family & Children's Services.

A recent contribution came in the form of the dedication of The Gloria & Louis Flanzer Campus on Ringling Boulevard for the Jewish Family & Children’s Services in January. President and CEO for JFCS, Rose Chapman, expressed gratitude for Flanzer’s contributions in a statement.

“Gloria, along with her husband, Louis, who passed away in 2013, always deeply cared about the quality of life for residents of the communities where they have lived,” Chapman said. “Their support of medical facilities, social service organizations and Jewish organizations in New York and Sarasota underscore their commitment to helping others. JFCS was indeed fortunate to be the beneficiary of the Flanzer’s philanthropic spirit of giving.”

 In addition to the gift of a new downtown Sarasota campus for JFCS, Flanzer also made a five-year commitment to support the programs JFCS offers. Her donations will help provide resources and services to caregivers and their loved ones.  

“Thanks to Gloria, JFCS can continue to provide programs that improve the quality of life for caregivers and individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases,” Chapman said in a release. “On behalf of JFCS, its board, staff, volunteers and clients, I am most grateful to Gloria for believing in the mission of JFCS and providing the organization with the opportunity to dedicate a new campus that allows us to offer hope to others.”