Jay Arnold Greif

Jay Arnold Greif, age 81 years, of Kingwood Township, NJ, died on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at his home.

Born in the Bronx, NY, March 21, 1932, he was the son of the late Saul and Anna Levy Greif. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Jay then went on to earn his BA in Art Education from New York University.

An artist and entrepreneur, Jay began his career in advertising in the late 1950’s. He became a Vice-President of Digarmo and McCaffrey Advertising and handled national accounts, such as Seagram's. He left in 1969 to open his own wholesale stationery company, Private Papers. Within a short time, that company’s products were being produced in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with products in over 4,000 doors worldwide.

In 1982, the Crown Company bought Private Papers and Jay retired for 6 months; however, he soon began a direct mail order company servicing Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, the Horchow Collection, and Bloomingdale’s for the next 20 years.

In 2002, he moved from New York City to Frenchtown, NJ where he maintained a country home for 35 years. In 2004, at the age of 72, he opened Beasley’s Bookbindery in Frenchtown. The retail shop featured bookish gifts, stationery and specialized in the repair of old books. He continued working and loving the beauty of paper and the restoration of old books until his death.

His home, Everitt Farm, his dogs, Beasley and Baxter, and the life in Hunterdon County were the rewards for a life fully lived. All were in keeping with his often-stated belief that, “the work you do is the rent you pay, for the space you occupy.”

Surviving are his married partner of 31 years, Marvin S. Piland; two nephews, Steven Greif and his wife, Debbie, and Rodger Greif; two great nephews, Cassidy and Jeremiah; and five great nieces, Alexa, Taylor, Michelle, Janice and Linda.

Memorial Services will take place on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ preceded by visitation from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send an online condolence.