Morton “Morty” Lee Gelber passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with his family by his side. Morty was born July 20, 1939, to Harry and Florence Gelber in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his son Derek (Ashley), daughter Lauren (Joe Hesskamp), granddaughter Kaitlyn Hesskamp, and sister-in-law, Debra Green McClure.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Audrey Green Gelber, dear brother-in-law Wayne T McClure, dear brother Benjamin Gelber and sister-in-law Gloria Gale Gelber.

Morty lived his entire life in the St. Louis area and was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He worked in the family business as co-owner of Gelber’s Menswear for decades. Morty excelled at football and baseball, achieving all-state first team honors in both sports at Ladue High School, and continued his baseball career on the semiprofessional level for more than a decade. Morty was honored by being inducted into both the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame (1990) as well as the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2018).

A private service and burial will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Boynton Beach, Florida, where he will be laid to rest next to his late wife Audrey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Adoption, Wellness & Education – APA Adoption Center – St. Louis, MO, or a charity of one’s choice in Morty’s memory.

May his memory be a blessing.