Puffin People

Perry Rosenstein

In Memoriam: Founder & Past President

Perry Rosenstein was the founder of the Puffin Foundation and served as its president until his death on 4/3/20 from COVID. While Perry’s death is a personal loss to the many people who loved him, his progressive values and the projects he supported will most certainly live on. Perry was born in the Bronx to Polish émigrés who instilled in him a tremendous work ethic and a passion for social justice. In World War Two, Perry served in the South Pacific, and with the help of the GI Bill he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and subsequently a Masters degree in education from Long Island University. Perry decided to apply his talents to industry and developed a system of manufacture and distribution that revolutionized the field of fasteners. His success enabled him to create the Puffin Foundation, launched in 1983, and fund the Teaneck Creek Conservancy, founded in 2001. Perry was married to Puffin’s Executive Director Gladys Miller-Rosenstein. Perry had a deep commitment to the town of Teaneck, New Jersey, Puffin’s headquarters and where he resided with Gladys. They created the Puffin Cultural Forum that each week brings to the citizens of Teaneck classical music, jazz concerts, films with social content, and a variety of cultural activities including dance, theater, book reviews, and lectures. Perry had three children, and, along with Gladys, ten beloved grandchildren. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and reflections on this Facebook page, and to enjoy those shared by others. Perry Rosenstein: A Life and Times Memorial.

Gladys-Miller Rosenstein

Executive Director

Neal Rosenstein

President of the Board of Directors