(914) 337-6770
info@mcgrathandson.com
20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY - 10708

Gordon, Lydia December 5, 1928 - May 28, 2023

Lydia Gordon, aged 94, passed away peacefully in Bronxville, NY, on May 28th, 2023.

The Celebration of Life ceremony for Lydia will be held at Fred H. McGrath & Sons Inc, located at 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY 10708. The ceremony will take place on Friday, June 2nd, from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Lydia (Altoriso) was born into a hardworking Italian family in Brooklyn Heights, NY. She was the youngest of four children, preceded in death by her siblings Rose, Gaetano, and Anne. Growing up in an artistic household, with her father Salvatore, a renowned painter, Lydia developed a deep appreciation and talent for the arts.

During her teenage years, Lydia’s captivating singing voice brought joy not only to herself but also to the countless others who had the privilege of hearing her sing. She pursued her passion professionally, joining the ranks of the big band Criss Cross and collecting treasured stories along the way.

In the early 1950s, Lydia embarked on a transformative journey as she toured and performed in the chorus of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” a beloved production featuring the iconic Carol Channing. This experience held a special place in her heart, shaping her career as a singer and dancer. She fondly recalled the show and cherished memories of her travels across the United States.

Lydia met, and eventually wed, Herbert Gordon, a Manhattan restaurateur, in 1957. After his passing in 1969, she found solace and purpose in her love for vintage clothing and jewelry. She channeled her passion into a successful boutique on Madison Ave, gaining recognition for her exquisite collection of vintage clothing and wedding gowns. Her exceptional taste attracted esteemed personalities such as Carrie Fisher, Rachel Ward, and Cheryl Tiegs, establishing her reputation as a purveyor of elegance. In 1977, People Magazine honored her accomplishments with a feature article.

Later, Lydia relocated her business to a loft space on E.25th St in Manhattan, where she became a trusted resource and a muse for renowned designers including Ralph Lauren, John Galliano, and Calvin Klein. After more than four decades of dedication, she decided to pass on her cherished collection to a museum in China in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy.

Lydia is survived by her three children, John, Greg, and Lisa, as well as her grandchildren, John Stephen, Casey, and Jessica.

As we gather to honor her remarkable journey, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever resonate within us.

Calling Hours:  4 to 7 pm, Friday, June 2, 2023

Service of Remembrance: 6:15 pm, Friday, June 2, 2023 at the Funeral Home

Condolence(1)

  1. REPLY
    Regina Molaro Fish says

    I have fond memories of working for Lydia in the 90s when I was a student at FIT. We stayed in touch and worked together again in 2009.

    I will always cherish our times together—listening to classical music while eating pastries, talking, and drinking coffee. This happened daily when I worked for her. She appreciated the little things and created a relaxing atmosphere at work.

    Lydia was inspiring. She had friends of all ages and always evolved with the times and remained relevant. She was intelligent, a talented singer, had exceptional taste and an appreciation for beauty.

    Rest in peace Lydia. You’ll always be remembered.

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