Business owner Orenstein dies at age 91

GAINESVILLE - Longtime Gainesville business owner Marvin Orenstein has died Friday at the age of 91.

Orenstein was the owner of Gem Jewelry on Gainesville's downtown square, a business that was opened by his father-in-law in 1936. Orenstein had operated the business for the last 66 years.

Contacted by phone, Orenstein's daughter Linda said that her father had undergone hip surgery Wednesday and had been doing well, but doctors said his heart failed Friday morning.

Linda Orenstein recalled that her grandfather came to Gainesville on the advice of friends right after the historic tornado of 1936 to open a business. Her father Marvin took over the operation just 10 years later.

Linda Orenstein said that Gem Jewelry will close Friday afternoon and stay closed for an undetermined amount of time while the family plans services.

Funeral services for Orenstein, who lived in Atlanta, are pending.