Former IHFRA Member Burt Aaronson Dies

November 6, 2018  by Laurie Northington in Industry, Obituaries   

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Burt attended Erasmus High School before setting out on an unexpected life’s journey. After marrying his wife Sheila in 1949, Burt began a lengthy business career that would see him rise to executive vice president of Brooklyn-based Eclipse Sleep Products. 

Later he joined Hickory, N.C.-based De Ville Furniture where he served as vp of sales and then formed Aaronson Associates, a sales firm representing numerous manufacturers.

After retiring in 1989, Burt moved to Delray Beach, Fla. where he became active in politics. In 1992 he was elected Palm Beach County Commissioner where he was credited for many projects that improved the county. Burt fought for public safety facilities like a fire house and county sheriff’s substation in suburban Boca Raton. He also founded the Palm Beach International Film Festival and helped open the county’s Special Olympics athletic and therapeutic center in Lake Worth. 

Burt was most proud of helping to create an 800-acre recreational facility in Boca Raton that contains a golf course, water park, ball fields, amphitheater, dog park and nature trails. The park has recently been renamed the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park.

In 2012, Burt was term limited out of office after serving 20 years on the Commission. He remained active in Democratic political circles and his endorsement and guidance was sought by representatives, senators and presidents.

Burt Aaronson is survived by his wife Sheila, sons Rick Aaronson, a sales representative for Klaussner Furniture in N.J. and Daniel Aaronson, an attorney in Fort Lauderdale, as well as two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Palm Beach Special Olympics, 2728 Lake Worth Rd. Lake Worth, Fla. 33461