Gilbert Sandler and his iconic hat (sans bow tie), circa 1995. (Jmore file photo)

Gilbert Sandler — author, history columnist, folklorist, radio personality, advertising exec, journalist, city life advocate, raconteur, bon vivant and the great chronicler of Jewish Baltimore — passed away Dec. 19 after a lengthy illness.

He was 95 and would have turned 96 in early February.

Funeral services for Sandler will be held on Friday, Dec. 21, at 9 a.m. at Sol Levinson & Bros., 8900 Reisterstown Road, in the main chapel.

His wife, Joan Strouse Sandler, passed away in 2002. For decades, the Sandlers were residents of Mount Washington.

A proud Baltimore native, Gil Sandler was the father of three, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of three. He lived most recently in Roland Park, and grew up in lower Park Heights.

Read the rest of Jmore’s remembrance of Sandler here.