Ira Gumberg

GUMBERG: Ira Gumberg died on Dec., 13, 2025 while fighting and undergoing treatment for cancer. He was born on Aug. 27, 1953, and lived in the Pittsburgh area all his life, where he built a family, a corporation and a legacy. He died as he lived, with strength and courage. Ira graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He later completed the advanced management program at Harvard Business School. He joined his family in his grandfather’s business J.J. Gumberg Company, where he grew the shopping center mall business, regionally, nationally and internationally. Ira built the first American-style mall on the subcontinent of India, making J. J. Gumberg Company a third-generation global real estate investment and development firm. He was an accomplished businessman whose strategic and practical advice was sought by so many who admired him. He also loved horses and horse racing, partnering with his father, Stanley, and people from around the world, in what he called the business fun in his life. Ira loved and was loved by his family; his wife, Anita Courcoulas, and children Jill (Jay), Amanda (Craig), Tessa and Stanley; brothers Larry (Ina) and Andrew (Christy); and grandchildren Max, Theo, Lilah and Cecilia. Ira also loved and was loved by his many colleagues, friends, and the friends he called brothers. Ira had a unique gift for finding those in need and helping to support so many individuals and organizations by way of his truly generous spirit. He had a presence larger than life and filled every room with it. He was a confidante, mentor, protector and a supreme problem-solver. In his 72 years of life, he most cherished the role of father. He was unapologetically proud of his four children and their accomplishments in life and within themselves. In the end, Ira was also incredibly grateful for the care, attention and comfort given to him by members of his household and so many wonderful healthcare professionals. Ira was a gentleman and an inspiration. Throughout his life, he touched so many individuals in countless ways and leaves behind this legacy of giving — both love and strength. May he be remembered this way. Services at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue (at Morewood), Oakland, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to services (9 to 10 a.m.). Interment Homewood Cemetery. Following the burial, all are welcome to a reception at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC